excellent friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'excellent friend' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who you think is a particularly good friend. For example, "John is an excellent friend; he's always been there for me when I need him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She also tells me what an excellent friend Stanhope is.

The Guardian

"Mark was an excellent friend and a spectacular prosecutor," he said.

The New York Times

an incredibly good brother and excellent friend". David A. Lippe '93, another of Rodger's fraternity brothers, described Roger as "very selfless". Roger had just begun the 6-A Internship Program this summer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I was the second woman to reach that level behind Wendy Toms, who was an excellent friend, role model and mentor to me over the years.

BBC

And with it, I have a constant, excellent friend.

HuffPost

SL: Yeah, the great Phil Ramone--a wonderful producer and an excellent friend.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This time Harry and the boy friend become excellent friends and play chess together every time he has a date with Beverly.

The New Yorker

She gives them a rousing talk (much like Robert Goodman in The Long Song), promising them kindness and indulgence and says "we parted excellent friends".

The Guardian - Books

Marion Underwood, a psychology professor at the University of Texas, told Ms. Talbot: "Girls very much value intimacy, which makes them excellent friends and terrible enemies.

The New York Times

Wherever you choose, it's worth pointing out, you'll end up eating amid scores of other tables just like your own -- excellent friends eating together, largely on the arm of someone born kind, who, for reasons of ability and chance, can afford to be generous.

The New York Times

Later, I married Sihem, and then, without warning, very shortly after the Soviet empire fell apart, the Russian went back home; but we've remained excellent friends, Kim and I, and our close collaboration has forged a powerful bond between us.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as an "excellent friend", provide specific examples of their positive qualities or actions. For instance, mention their reliability, empathy, or generosity to strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is an "excellent friend" without elaborating. This can sound generic and insincere. Instead, illustrate why they are an excellent friend with anecdotes or concrete details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excellent friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase complement. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English. It modifies the noun by providing a descriptive attribute.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excellent friend" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe someone who embodies admirable qualities of friendship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating its widespread use across different contexts. While not the most frequent expression, it effectively conveys a strong sense of appreciation. To make the description more impactful, providing specific examples of their admirable qualities is always recommended. Alternatives like "wonderful companion" or "remarkable pal" can be used for variety, keeping in mind the subtle differences in connotation. Overall, it's a powerful and genuine way to express gratitude and admiration for a valued friend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wonderful companion

Replaces "friend" with "companion", emphasizing companionship and shared experiences.

remarkable pal

Uses "remarkable" instead of "excellent" and "pal" instead of "friend", offering a slightly more informal tone.

terrific buddy

Substitutes "excellent" with "terrific" and "friend" with "buddy", conveying a sense of warmth and camaraderie.

outstanding confidant

Emphasizes the trust and intimacy shared in the friendship, using "confidant" instead of "friend".

invaluable ally

Highlights the support and assistance provided by the friend, portraying them as a valuable asset.

exceptional comrade

Conveys a sense of loyalty and shared purpose, suitable in contexts of shared experiences or challenges.

fantastic mate

Uses "fantastic" and "mate" for a more informal, often British, expression.

great acquaintance

While still positive, "acquaintance" suggests a less deep or long-standing relationship than "friend".

close associate

Focuses on the aspect of working together or being connected in a professional or social setting.

loyal supporter

Highlights the unwavering support and dedication the friend provides.

FAQs

What qualities make someone an "excellent friend"?

Qualities that define an "excellent friend" include loyalty, empathy, trustworthiness, and a willingness to support you through both good and bad times. It often means they are reliable and offer genuine companionship.

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

You might say, "John is an "excellent friend" because he always listens without judgment" or "I consider her an "excellent friend" due to her unwavering support."

What are some alternatives to calling someone an "excellent friend"?

Alternatives include "wonderful companion", "remarkable pal", or "terrific buddy", depending on the specific context and your desired tone.

Is it better to say "excellent friend" or "good friend"?

"Excellent friend" suggests a higher degree of admiration and appreciation than "good friend". While both are positive, "excellent friend" implies that the person possesses exceptional qualities and is a particularly valuable presence in your life.