dear friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Dear Friend" is correct in written English.
It is commonly used as a salutation at the beginning of a letter or email. Example: Dear Friend, I hope this letter finds you doing well. I'm writing to check in and see how you are doing. Best wishes, [Name].

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Katie's a dear friend.

The New York Times

Dear friend of many.

The New York Times

Our dear friend.

The New York Times

Happy Birthday, dear friend.

The New York Times

Dear friend of Rhoda.

The New York Times

She's a dear friend.

The New York Times

Warm, loving, dear friend.

The New York Times

A dear friend.

The New York Times

Goodbye dear friend.

The New York Times

We've lost a dear friend.

Independent

One is a dear friend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dear friend" in correspondence where you want to express warmth and familiarity, but be mindful of the context. It may not be appropriate in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral tone is required.

Common error

Avoid using "dear friend" in contexts that demand a strictly professional or formal tone. Opt for neutral greetings like "colleague" or "associate" to maintain appropriate distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear friend" primarily functions as a term of endearment and a salutation, often used to express affection or close connection in written or spoken communication. Ludwig examples showcase its role in introductions and expressions of sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dear friend" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey affection and familiarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a term of endearment or salutation, establishing a warm tone in communication. It is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and formal correspondence. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and avoid using it in strictly formal situations where a more neutral term would be appropriate. Alternatives like "close companion" or "valued colleague" may be more suitable in such cases. Remember to use "dear friend" judiciously to foster genuine connection while respecting the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close companion

Emphasizes companionship and a strong bond.

longtime pal

Emphasizes the duration and history of the friendship.

esteemed confidant

Highlights the trust and reliance in the friendship.

trusted ally

Highlights the supportive and reliable nature of the friendship.

intimate acquaintance

Highlights a deep level of familiarity and personal knowledge.

valued comrade

Suggests a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect.

bosom buddy

A more informal and playful term for a very close friend.

dearest associate

A formal and affectionate way to refer to a close colleague or acquaintance.

cherished colleague

Focuses on a valued professional relationship with friendly undertones.

special someone

A broader term that implies a significant emotional connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "dear friend" as a salutation at the beginning of a letter or email, or to refer to someone you care about in a conversation. For example, "Dear friend, I hope this letter finds you well," or "He was a "dear friend" to me."

What's a more formal alternative to "dear friend"?

For more formal situations, consider using terms like "esteemed colleague" or "respected associate" instead of "dear friend".

Is "dear friend" suitable for professional emails?

While "dear friend" conveys warmth, it may be too informal for initial professional correspondence. Consider using "dear colleague" or "dear [Name]" unless you have an established close relationship.

How does "dear friend" differ from "close friend"?

"Dear friend" is more of a term of endearment, often used in writing. "Close friend" describes the nature of the relationship. You might say, "She is a "close friend" and I address her as '"dear friend"' in my letters."