close friendship

USAGE SUMMARY

"close friendship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a deep, meaningful, and long-lasting bond between two people. For example: "My brother and I have had a close friendship since childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a very close friendship.

The New York Times

Through baseball, we formed that close friendship".

The New York Times - Sports

They still have an intensely close friendship.

The Guardian

"We've got a really close friendship now.

The Guardian

"My wife and he struck up quite a close friendship".

The New Yorker

Have you ever suffered the loss of a close friendship?

The New York Times

Mr Uribe enjoyed a close friendship with George Bush.

The Economist

Moreover, he had a close friendship with the victim.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bush made repeated references to their close friendship.

The New York Times

A close friendship is probably as mysterious as a marriage.

The Guardian - Books

After Philip's death, Maeve and I formed a close friendship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "close friendship", provide specific details about the shared experiences or qualities that make the relationship strong. This adds depth and authenticity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "close friendship" to describe mere acquaintances or colleagues. This dilutes the meaning of the phrase and can create a false impression of the relationship's depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close friendship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'close' modifies the noun 'friendship'. It describes a specific type of relationship. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to qualify the nature and intensity of a friendly relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close friendship" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant interpersonal relationship. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys the depth and strength of a bond between individuals. Its usage spans various contexts, from news articles to encyclopedic entries, indicating its versatility. While synonyms like "strong bond" or "intimate friendship" exist, "close friendship" remains a clear and widely understood descriptor. It's important, however, to reserve this phrase for relationships that genuinely exhibit a high degree of trust and mutual support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate friendship

Emphasizes the personal and private nature of the friendship.

tight-knit bond

Focuses on the strength and closeness of the relationship.

strong bond

Focuses on the connection itself rather than the relationship type.

affectionate friendship

Highlights the presence of caring and fondness in the relationship.

deep connection

Highlights the emotional and intellectual compatibility between people.

loving companionship

Highlights the affection and mutual enjoyment within the friendship.

enduring camaraderie

Highlights the shared experiences and mutual support over time.

cordial relationship

Suggests a warm and friendly association, which might not have the depth of a "close friendship".

profound kinship

Suggests a deep and significant connection, similar to family ties.

personal relationship

Emphasizes the individual and human aspect of bonding.

FAQs

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

You can use "close friendship" to describe a strong bond between people, as in "They developed a "close friendship" over many years of working together".

What are some synonyms for "close friendship"?

Alternatives include "strong bond", "deep connection", or "intimate friendship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "close friendship" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing a significant interpersonal relationship. However, ensure the context warrants the level of emotional intimacy the phrase implies.

What distinguishes a "close friendship" from a regular friendship?

A "close friendship" implies a deeper level of trust, emotional support, and shared experiences compared to a regular friendship. It suggests a bond that has been nurtured over time and is characterized by mutual understanding and care.