close friends

USAGE SUMMARY

"close friends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a group of people with whom you have an especially strong bond of friendship. Example: My close friends and I have been getting together every Saturday night for the past five years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They became close friends.

The New York Times

They are close friends.

The New Yorker

We were close friends.

The New Yorker

Colleagues and close friends.

The New Yorker

Close friends felt betrayed.

The Guardian

They were close friends.

Yale University

These are his close friends.

The New York Times

The two remain close friends.

The New York Times

"They remain very close friends".

The New York Times

Somehow, they became close friends.

The New York Times

"We're close friends," Krzyzewski said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Close friends" implies a strong emotional connection and mutual trust, but other terms might better suit the context. Use alternatives like "intimate companions" or "confidants" depending on the desired emphasis.

Common error

While "close friends" is a common and acceptable phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive terms to add depth and interest. Consider specifying qualities, shared experiences or other terms like "inner circle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close friends" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI shows its versatility across various sentence structures, affirming its role in describing personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science & Research

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close friends" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term for describing people with whom one shares a strong emotional bond and mutual trust. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable in diverse contexts, ranging from personal narratives to news reports and academic discussions. While alternatives like "intimate companions" or "confidants" can offer more specific connotations, "close friends" remains a versatile and universally understood expression. Remember to consider specific context and choose the best wording for the situation you need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidants

Highlights the aspect of trust and sharing secrets.

inner circle

Refers to a select group of trusted friends.

intimate companions

Emphasizes a deep level of personal connection and shared experiences.

best buddies

Suggests a playful and familiar relationship, often associated with childhood friendships.

bosom pals

An older, slightly more sentimental term for very close friends.

inseparable pals

Emphasizes the constant presence and closeness between the friends.

tight-knit circle

Focuses on the group aspect of a close friendship.

thick as thieves

Suggests a strong bond and loyalty, often implying shared adventures or mischief.

soulmates

Suggests a very deep and spiritual connection, implying a perfect match.

partners in crime

Highlights shared adventures and a willingness to break the rules together.

FAQs

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

You can use "close friends" to describe a group of people with whom you share a strong bond of friendship. For example, "My "close friends" and I have been supporting each other through thick and thin."

What are some alternatives to saying "close friends"?

Alternatives to "close friends" include phrases like "intimate companions", "confidants", or "inner circle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "close friend" instead of "close friends"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "close friend" when referring to a single individual with whom you share a strong bond of friendship. The plural form "close friends" is used when referring to multiple people.

What's the difference between "close friends" and "acquaintances"?

"Close friends" are people with whom you share a deep connection of mutual trust and support, while "acquaintances" are people you know casually but don't have a strong emotional bond with.