dear cousin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dear cousin" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a term of endearment or greeting when addressing a cousin in a letter or message. Example: "Dear cousin, I hope this letter finds you well and thriving in your new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dear cousin.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of Pauline.

The New York Times

Dear cousin to many.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of Babby Siegelman.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of Gerald Judge.

The New York Times

Cherished nephew and dear cousin.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of Yseult Freilicher.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of Robert Baumann.

The New York Times

Uncle to Andrew and Mark, dear cousin.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of the Athing family.

The New York Times

Dear cousin of Jill and Jeffrey.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dear cousin" in personal correspondence or announcements where you want to convey warmth and affection. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone.

Common error

Avoid using "dear cousin" in professional business correspondence as it can seem out of place and overly familiar. Opt for a more neutral greeting unless the recipient is indeed a close family member.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear cousin" primarily functions as a term of endearment and a salutation, often used to begin letters, emails, or announcements. Ludwig confirms its common usage in personal contexts, serving to establish a warm, familiar tone between relatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dear cousin" is a common and grammatically correct term used primarily in personal communication to express affection. Ludwig shows its frequent appearance in contexts like news announcements of family events, but its use is less common in formal or business settings. Alternatives such as "beloved cousin" or "cherished cousin" offer similar sentiments. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is standard English and serves as a warm salutation or a way to express familial connection. Avoiding its overuse in professional contexts is advised to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beloved cousin

Replaces "dear" with "beloved", emphasizing affection.

cherished cousin

Replaces "dear" with "cherished", highlighting the value placed on the relationship.

dearest cousin

Adds emphasis to the term of endearment.

much-loved cousin

Uses a compound adjective to describe the cousin.

my dear cousin

Adds a possessive pronoun for a more personal touch.

my valued cousin

Replaces "dear" with "valued", stressing importance.

respected cousin

Highlights respect for the cousin.

esteemed cousin

A more formal and elevated way to express respect and affection.

close cousin

Emphasizes the intimacy of the relationship.

affectionate regards to my cousin

A more roundabout way to express the sentiment with a focus on regards.

FAQs

How can I use "dear cousin" in a sentence?

You can use "dear cousin" as a salutation in a letter or email, such as, "Dear cousin, I hope this letter finds you well." It can also be used within a sentence to express affection, for example, "Our hearts are with you "dear Cousin Dorothy"."

What are some alternatives to "dear cousin"?

Depending on the context and your relationship with your cousin, you can use alternatives like "beloved cousin", "cherished cousin", or simply "cousin" followed by their name.

Is it appropriate to use "dear cousin" in formal writing?

While "dear cousin" is generally acceptable, it's more suited for personal correspondence. In formal writing, consider whether the familial relationship is relevant or if a more neutral greeting is appropriate.

What's the difference between "dear cousin" and "my dear cousin"?

The phrase "my dear cousin" adds a possessive pronoun, making it slightly more personal and intimate than simply "dear cousin". Both are terms of endearment, but "my dear cousin" emphasizes the personal connection more directly.