close friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a friend who you have a particularly close bond with. For example, "My close friend and I have been friends since we were five years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Close friend.

Cornell University

Without a close friend?

University of California, Berkeley

Nearby, his close friend nodded.

Independent

Close friend A true bond.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Was his close friend.

The New Yorker

His mother, Christine, was a close friend.

The New Yorker

"She was a close friend of Truffaut".

The New Yorker

A dedicated physician, colleague and close friend.

The New York Times

A close friend, Aditya, got married recently.

The Economist

A close friend is getting married.

The New York Times

I confided in a close friend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, be specific about the qualities that make the friendship "close". This adds depth and authenticity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "close friend" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "intimate friend", "best friend", or describing the qualities of the relationship directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close friend" functions as a compound adjective modifying the noun "friend". It serves to specify the nature of the friendship, indicating a strong bond and a high level of intimacy. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts to describe significant personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close friend" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a friendship characterized by intimacy and trust. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use in English writing. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, followed by wiki and academic contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While "close friend" is appropriate in most situations, varying your language with alternatives such as "intimate friend" or "best friend" can enhance your writing. Avoiding overuse and focusing on specific qualities of the friendship will help to make your writing even more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best friend

Indicates the highest level of friendship and closeness.

tight friend

Emphasizes the strength and closeness of the bond.

special friend

Highlights the unique and valued place the friend holds in one's life.

intimate friend

Highlights the personal and private nature of the friendship.

dear friend

Conveys affection and appreciation for the friend.

bosom buddy

Suggests a cheerful and familiar friendship.

trusted confidant

Focuses on the friend as someone in whom secrets and personal matters are shared.

intimate companion

Suggests a deep, personal connection and shared experiences.

close associate

Emphasizes a professional or formal relationship with a personal connection.

old friend

Indicates a friendship that has lasted for a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "close friend" in a sentence?

You can use "close friend" to describe someone with whom you share a strong bond. For example, "My "close friend" and I have known each other since childhood."

What's the difference between "close friend" and "best friend"?

"Best friend" usually implies a singular, primary friendship, while "close friend" can refer to several friends with whom you have strong connections. A "best friend" is often considered the most important friend, but it's subjective.

What are some alternatives to saying "close friend"?

Alternatives include "dear friend", "intimate friend", "trusted confidant", or "special friend", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "close friend" in formal writing?

Yes, "close friend" is appropriate in formal writing when describing personal relationships. However, consider whether the relationship is relevant to the context. In some cases, "close associate" or "colleague" may be more suitable.