friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "friend" is a perfectly acceptable word to use in written English.
You can use it in a variety of situations such as to refer to someone you are close to, a casual acquaintance, or even a stranger you have just met. For example, "I had an interesting conversation with my new friend at the party last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A friend).

The New York Times

"He was my friend.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my Government will do everything in its power to bring them home".

The Guardian

Thank you, thank you for being my friend".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He is my friend".

The New York Times - Magazine

A friend of mine runs a website in Amsterdam, which is called, in Dutch, We Are Here to Stay.

The Guardian

Lowe, unaware of the storm about to break above his head, reportedly turned to a friend and said "Damn!

The Guardian - Film

He said a 2010 contract headed "Sale of Shares" really recorded a loan to his close friend, the then AWH chief executive Girolamo.

The Guardian

The only manager standing now between Alex Neil and the Premier League is Middlesbrough's Aitor Karanka, whose preparations for next week's Championship play-off final will probably involve consulting his friend José Mourinho, to whom he used to be assistant manager at Real Madrid.

The Guardian - Sport

"We would have an obligation as a good friend and neighbour in our region to respond if we had a request from one of those nations," he said.

The Guardian

It then took me 10 years to be in a position to help found Citizens UK as a sister training institute and organising alliance, but from 1989 onwards Ed became my trainer, critic, mentor and friend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships, consider the specific nuances of "friendship" to convey the right level of intimacy and connection. For example, use "close friend" to highlight a particularly strong bond.

Common error

While "friend" is versatile, be mindful of using it too broadly. If you are referring to a professional contact or acquaintance, consider using terms like "colleague" or "associate" to accurately reflect the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "friend" is that of a noun, referring to a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. It can also function as a verb, meaning to befriend. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "friend" is a very common and grammatically correct noun used to describe a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While generally neutral in formality, specifying the type of "friendship" can adjust its register. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider alternatives like "companion" or "colleague" depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse by diversifying your word choice to accurately reflect different types of relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trusted confidant

Highlights the sharing of secrets and personal matters.

loyal companion

Emphasizes the steadfastness and reliability in the relationship.

close acquaintance

Indicates a personal connection, though perhaps not as deep as a friend.

bosom buddy

An informal way of referring to a very close friend.

partner in crime

Suggests a shared sense of adventure and mischief.

intimate

It highlights emotional depth and closeness that friend are able to reach.

soulmate

Indicates a deep connection, often implying a romantic or spiritual bond.

fellowship

Describes feeling of connection and purpose among group of people.

workmate

It's usually used in the business enviroment to define a friend that is also a colleague.

associate

Suggests a casual connection with a person, often used in business situations.

FAQs

How to use "friend" in a sentence?

You can use "friend" to describe someone you are close to, such as: "She is my best friend." It can also refer to a more casual acquaintance: "He's a friend from work."

What can I say instead of "friend"?

You can use alternatives like "companion", "colleague" (in a professional context), or "acquaintance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "friend" or "companion"?

"Friend" and "companion" are both correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Friend" implies a personal bond, while "companion" suggests someone who accompanies you, like a travel buddy.

What's the difference between "friend" and "acquaintance"?

A "friend" is someone you have a close, personal relationship with, whereas an "acquaintance" is someone you know casually but are not necessarily close to.