dearest friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'dearest friends' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a form of endearment and affection towards a group of friends. For example: "Today is a special day, and I wanted to thank my dearest friends for being by my side through thick and thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These were their dearest friends.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her dearest friends work for veteran's organizations.

The New York Times

She's become one of my dearest friends".

The New York Times

"He was one of my dearest friends".

Independent

I have my closest, dearest friends, the Russian language".

The New York Times - Sports

Another great Sicilian became one of Camilleri's dearest friends.

The Guardian - Books

"One of my dearest friends is Jimmy Buffett.

The New York Times - Arts

To our dearest friends, Kathy, Mitchell and Joshua.

The New York Times

We have lost one of our dearest friends.

The New York Times

We have lost one of our closest and dearest friends.

The New York Times

He made passes at whomever he desired, including the teenage daughters of his dearest friends.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a group of close friends in a heartfelt message, use "dearest friends" to convey genuine affection and warmth.

Common error

Avoid using "dearest friends" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral terms like "esteemed colleagues" or "respected peers" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dearest friends" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a form of address or as a descriptor to indicate a group of close and cherished individuals. Ludwig shows examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dearest friends" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to address or describe close, cherished friends. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and appropriate for expressing affection in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While highly versatile, it's best to avoid it in formal business settings in order to keep a formal tone. When alternatives are needed, consider options like "closest companions" or "cherished friends" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most beloved friends

Intensifies the feeling of love and endearment.

treasured friends

Emphasizes the rarity and preciousness of the friendship.

cherished friends

Highlights the value and affection held for the friends.

best friends

Implies a superior level of closeness and connection.

closest companions

Emphasizes intimacy and shared experiences.

intimate friends

Focuses on the deep, personal connection.

valued friends

Stresses the importance and worth of the friendship.

special friends

Indicates a unique and significant bond.

longtime friends

Similar to 'oldest friends', emphasizing duration.

oldest friends

Highlights the longevity and history of the friendship.

FAQs

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

You can use "dearest friends" to address a group of close friends affectionately, such as in a letter: "To my dearest friends, thank you for all your support".

What are some alternatives to saying "dearest friends"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "closest companions", "cherished friends", or "most beloved friends".

Is "dearest friends" formal or informal?

"Dearest friends" leans toward the informal side, expressing affection and closeness. It's suitable for personal correspondence but less appropriate for formal business communication.

What's the difference between "dearest friends" and "best friends"?

"Best friends" implies a hierarchical relationship indicating a top tier of friendship, while "dearest friends" expresses deep affection for a group without necessarily ranking them.