fast friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fast friends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two people who have quickly become close friends. For example, "After a wild night out, they became fast friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They became fast friends.

The New York Times

The two become fast friends.

The New Yorker

"We became very fast friends.

The New York Times

The two became fast friends.

The New York Times

She and Utta became fast friends.

The New Yorker

The men then became fast friends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It wasn't like we became fast friends.

The New York Times

"They remained fast friends to the end".

The Guardian - Music

"We've been fast friends ever since".

The New York Times - Magazine

But the two became fast friends.

The Guardian - Books

Even their wives have become fast friends.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase typically follows verbs like become, were or remained. Pair it with these to describe the lifecycle of a friendship from start to finish.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase to describe individuals who share a hobby of running or racing unless you are intentionally making a pun. The term refers to the firmness and speed of the emotional bond, not physical velocity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fast friends" typically functions as a subject complement following a linking verb like become or are. According to Ludwig, it is a fixed idiomatic expression where the adjective fast modifies the noun friends to describe the quality and speed of a social bond. Ludwig AI notes that while it appears as a simple adjective-noun pair, it acts as a cohesive unit of meaning in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "fast friends" is a robust and widely accepted idiom used to describe relationships that form quickly and remain firm. Ludwig data shows a strong preference for this phrase in high-tier journalism, where it effectively captures the essence of immediate rapport. Whether you are reading about historical figures in Encyclopedia Britannica or modern celebrities in The New York Times, the phrase consistently implies both speed and durability. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and versatile choice for any writer looking to describe a deep connection that bypasses the usual slow process of getting to know someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick friends

replaces the slightly archaic fast with the more modern quick to emphasize the speed of the bond

instant bond

shifts focus from the people themselves to the immediate nature of the connection

steadfast friends

utilizes the original sense of fast as firm or loyal rather than focusing on speed

kindred spirits

emphasizes a deep soul-level connection or shared temperament rather than just timing

close friends

uses a more direct and common adjective to describe the depth of the relationship

hit it off

converts the noun phrase into a verbal expression describing the act of becoming friends quickly

thick as thieves

provides a more colorful idiom that implies a very close and sometimes exclusive bond

inseparable

focuses on the constant proximity and persistence of the friendship

bosom buddies

offers a more informal and slightly old-fashioned tone for very close companionship

best friends

identifies the highest tier of friendship without specifically highlighting the speed of the formation

FAQs

What does it mean to be "fast friends"?

Being "fast friends" means two people have developed a deep, loyal and close relationship in a very short amount of time. While we usually think of fast as speed, it also stems from an older meaning of fixed or firm. You can also say they developed an "instant bond".

Is it "fast friends" or "quick friends"?

Both are acceptable, but they carry slightly different nuances. "fast friends" is the traditional idiom implying a firm, lasting bond. "quick friends" is a more modern variation that focuses specifically on the speed of the connection.

Can I use "fast friends" in formal writing?

Yes, it is widely used in high-quality journalism and literature. However, in strictly academic or legal contexts, you might prefer more literal terms like "close associates" or "long-term collaborators" depending on the relationship.

What's the difference between "fast friends" and being "steadfast"?

They actually share the same root! The fast in "fast friends" refers to the idea of being held fast (firmly) to one another. Similarly, being "steadfast friends" implies a loyalty that does not change over time.