friend in need

USAGE SUMMARY

"friend in need" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who is there for you when you need help or support, usually in times of trouble. For example, "My best friend is always a friend in need, always there to cheer me up when I'm feeling down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A friend in need is a friend in deed, indeed.

The New Yorker

Are we kinder, quicker to rush to the aid of a friend in need?

The Guardian - Opinion

And if you want to help your friend in need, do not humiliate him".

The Guardian

Through this hardship, we have come to truly understand that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

The New York Times

No matter what, he was compassionate, generous, and a lifesaver and buoy to any friend in need.

The New York Times

He said he began investing in Mr. Allen's films because "I was trying to help a friend in need".

The New York Times

If you have a tough time faking a conversation, it will also play a scripted dialogue from a boss, a child or a friend in need of help.

The New York Times - Tech

Afro-American stories and songs often featured the devil, who was a demon and a trickster, terrifying, a friend in need, and a source of mirth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But there are ways to have friend-in-need conversations that support others and strengthen our connections with them.

Huffington Post

Sometimes a friend-in-need also needs professional help.

WikiHow

If you prove yourself to be a friend-in-need, your new friend will automatically get close to you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "friend in need" to emphasize the importance of offering support and assistance during challenging times. It highlights the true value of friendship.

Common error

Avoid using "friend in need" casually for acquaintances or individuals you barely know. The phrase carries an implication of a deeper bond and commitment to provide support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friend in need" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence to describe someone who offers assistance and support during difficult times. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "friend in need" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe someone who offers support and assistance during difficult times. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely understood and accepted. It appears frequently in news and media, and is present also in encyclopedias, science and wiki contexts. When using the phrase "friend in need", it's important to consider the depth of the relationship you're describing. It is most appropriate for those who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to providing support, rather than casual acquaintances. Remember that a "friend in need" is the opposite of a fair-weather friend, highlighting the importance of genuine support during adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

true friend

Emphasizes the genuine and sincere nature of the friendship, often implying support during hardship.

steadfast friend

Focuses on the consistency and reliability of the friendship over time.

supportive companion

Emphasizes the act of providing support, removing the explicit element of needing assistance.

reliable ally

Focuses on dependability and allegiance, shifting the context towards a more formal or strategic relationship.

loyal advocate

Highlights unwavering support and defense, moving away from the immediate need for help.

compassionate confidant

Emphasizes empathy and trust within the friendship, focusing on emotional support.

shoulder to cry on

Focuses specifically on providing emotional comfort during times of sadness or difficulty.

helpful acquaintance

Highlights the assistance given, downplaying the depth of the friendship.

good Samaritan

Implies selfless assistance to someone in distress, often without a prior relationship.

rescuer

Highlights the act of saving someone from a dangerous or difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "friend in need" to describe someone who provides support during difficult times. For example, "She proved to be a true "friend in need" when I lost my job.".

What's a similar expression to "friend in need"?

Similar expressions include "true friend", "reliable ally", or "steadfast friend", all conveying the idea of someone supportive during hardship.

Is the phrase "a friend in need is a friend indeed" still relevant?

Yes, the proverb "a friend in need is a friend indeed" remains relevant, emphasizing that the value of friendship is most evident during times of adversity. It reinforces the importance of being a "friend in need".

What's the difference between "friend in need" and "fair-weather friend"?

A "friend in need" is someone who supports you during difficulties, while a "fair-weather friend" is someone who is only present during good times and disappears when challenges arise. They are essentially opposites.