fine friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fine friend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friend who is good, kind, or admirable, often in a somewhat ironic or sarcastic context. Example: "After all the times he let me down, I can't believe I still consider him a fine friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He became a fine friend. 1 2 3 Next Page ».

The New York Times

A very fine friend of mine offered a whole lot of them to me once.

The New Yorker

He was a wonderful one-off, a great presenter and a fine friend".

The Guardian

Lorna Martin, the Scotland editor, and Ruaridh Nicoll, Observer columnist and fine friend, treat me to some excellent Edinburgh hospitality.

The Guardian

Kenneth Langone, a financier, emerges as a particularly fine friend, using his own rebound from regulatory troubles to inspire several other fallen bosses, with his catchphrase, "You've just been kicked in the ass with a golden horseshoe .It was Mr Langone who urged Richard Grasso to fight charges related to his time as chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Economist

Such non-asserted content, called 'implicature', need not be an addition to the overtly asserted content: e.g., in irony asserted content is negated rather than expanded by the implicature (think of a speaker uttering "Paul is a fine friend" to implicate that Paul has wickedly betrayed her).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We parted fine friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Newspaper ads for his bar invited "fine friends and acquaintances as well as the honorable musicians" and promised "a superb lunch," cooked by his wife, Caroline.

The New York Times - Arts

Howard owned homes in New York City, Southampton, and Palm Beach and devoted himself to a social circuit of fine friends, parties, back-gammon, and traveling.

The New York Times

He is survived by his life partner Lawrence Larry Hooperer, his sister Ruth Pruett Tate, his life brother Ray Hooper, life sister Judy Hooper, life sister Carol Graziano, life brother Ron Graziano, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and so many fine friends and neighbors.

The New York Times

The re-creation also conveys a sense of the Schneiders themselves, teased out of newspapers (in The New Yorker Staats-Zeitung in 1864 John announced the saloon's opening "to his fine friends and acquaintances as well as the honorable musicians"), city records (John had been living in New York for 22 of his 34 years) and other documents.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fine friend" when you want to subtly convey admiration, respect, or even a touch of irony for someone you consider a friend. It can add a layer of complexity to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "fine friend" in situations where a sincere and straightforward expression of friendship is needed. The subtle irony can be misconstrued as insincerity or sarcasm if the tone isn't carefully managed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fine friend" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fine" modifies the noun "friend". This construction typically serves to describe or characterize a person.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fine friend" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not as common as "good friend" or "great friend", it carries a distinct nuance, often implying a blend of admiration and perhaps a touch of irony. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and even casual conversation. Understanding the subtle connotations of "fine friend" allows for more precise and expressive communication, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good friend

Replaces "fine" with a more common and straightforward adjective.

great friend

Emphasizes the positive qualities of the friend more strongly.

wonderful friend

Similar to "great friend" but conveys a sense of delight and admiration.

excellent friend

Highlights the friend's exceptional qualities.

splendid friend

Uses a more formal and slightly old-fashioned synonym for "fine".

remarkable friend

Suggests the friend is worthy of attention or admiration.

true friend

Highlights the friend's loyalty and unwavering support.

decent friend

Implies the friend is reliable and morally sound.

close friend

Emphasizes the intimacy and emotional connection with the friend.

dear friend

Expresses affection and fondness for the friend.

FAQs

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

You can use "fine friend" to describe someone you admire or have a complex relationship with. For example, "Despite his flaws, John has been a "fine friend" to me."

What are some alternatives to saying "fine friend"?

Alternatives include "good friend", "great friend", "wonderful friend", or "true friend", depending on the context and the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "fine friend" sarcastically?

Yes, "fine friend" can be used sarcastically to express disappointment or frustration with a friend's actions. However, be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "fine friend" and "close friend"?

"Fine friend" suggests admiration or a more formal relationship, while "close friend" indicates a deeper, more intimate connection.