dear old friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"dear old friend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express fondness or appreciation for someone you've known for a long time. For example, you might say, "It's so good to see you again, dear old friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Dear old friend, thanks for all the happy memories, you will be missed.

The New York Times

I said, 'Well, my dear old friend [Ja, mein Lieber guter Storfer], we certainly got it!

The New Yorker

It can work through a single phone call to a dear old friend.

The Economist

Please, please don't talk about old age so much, my dear old friend!

The New Yorker

For Fisher fans, coming across these is like reading an as-yet-unopened letter from a dear old friend.

The New York Times

Yasmin Le Bon is a dear old friend and now I work with her daughter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We've lost councillors, dear old friends of mine who've lost their seats through no fault of their own.

Independent

That will be held here on Friday against neighbours and dear old friends Leicester.

The Guardian - Sport

Like difficult but dear old friends, these were challenging beers, but rewarding ones.

The New York Times - Travel

As the finale, these boldly, exuberantly expressionistic pictures are like two dear old friends.

The New York Times - Arts

"We walk around them out of respect," Mr. Gebel-Williams said, "because they are not trophies but dear old friends".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dear old friend", consider the context and audience. It is appropriate for expressing genuine affection or nostalgia, but may sound insincere if used casually with someone you don't know well.

Common error

Avoid using "dear old friend" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or professional term like "longtime colleague" or "esteemed associate" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear old friend" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to address or describe a person with whom one has a long-standing and affectionate relationship. Ludwig confirms the expression's acceptability and provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

15%

The New Yorker

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dear old friend" is a common expression used to convey affection and a sense of shared history with someone you've known for a long time. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, with examples primarily found in News & Media sources. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase. Overusing it in formal settings can sound insincere. Alternatives like "cherished friend of many years" or "long-standing confidant" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close longtime companion

Emphasizes the intimacy and duration of the friendship.

cherished friend of many years

Highlights the value and length of the friendship.

long-standing confidant

Focuses on the trust and history shared between friends.

old and beloved pal

Uses more informal terms to convey affection.

respected longtime associate

Adds a sense of professional respect to the long-term connection.

venerable comrade

Implies a shared history of struggle or achievement.

esteemed acquaintance from way back

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the distance in time.

intimate buddy of old

Combines intimacy with a sense of nostalgia.

long-term ally

Suggests a partnership based on shared values or goals.

old familiar face

Focuses on recognition and comfort derived from familiarity.

FAQs

What does "dear old friend" mean?

The phrase "dear old friend" is an expression of affection for someone you have known for a long time. The 'dear' indicates fondness, and 'old' refers to the duration of the friendship.

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

You can use "dear old friend" to address someone directly, as in, "It's wonderful to see you, dear old friend!" Or you can use it to describe someone: "He's a dear old friend of mine."

What are some alternatives to saying "dear old friend"?

Alternatives include "close longtime companion", "cherished friend of many years", or "long-standing confidant", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "dear old friend"?

While generally positive, using "dear old friend" sarcastically or in a context where the friendship is questionable can be misconstrued. Also, avoid using the phrase in highly formal settings where a more professional term is suitable.