friendly neighbor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "friendly neighbor" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who lives nearby and is kind or helpful. For example, "My friendly neighbor always offers to help with my groceries." Alternative expressions include "kind neighbor," "helpful neighbor," and "amiable neighbor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- would promote trade with a friendly neighbor and reduce reliance on oil imports from other nations.

The Washington Post

Walter "Dad" Benson hosted the "Friendly Neighbor" show from radio station WLT in Minneapolis.

The New Yorker

Apparently a friendly neighbor had been walking by the field and had witnessed our high jinks.

The New York Times

Iran should not threaten force, he said, particularly against a smaller, friendly neighbor.

The New York Times

China should accept Taiwan as a friendly neighbor just as Britain now accepts the United States.

The New York Times

— She is a homeowner, a taxpayer, a friendly neighbor and an American citizen.

The New York Times

He further antagonized his former friendly neighbor Turkey when Syrian gunners shot down a Turkish warplane over the Mediterranean.

The New York Times

Increased tensions with the West over Ankara's attempts to be a friendly neighbor were not part of the plan.

The New York Times

She is the friendly neighbor who organized an impromptu backyard barbecue to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Vast and impenetrable though the universe may be, now we know it harbors at least one friendly neighbor.

The Washington Post

The gilded pyramid at the top, illuminated after dark, is a friendly neighbor to have on longer winter nights.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "friendly neighbor" to depict a positive, helpful, and approachable character in storytelling. It is a common trope for instantly relatable and likeable side characters.

Common error

While "friendly neighbor" is a common and understandable phrase, characters who constantly refer to each other using this label sound unnatural. Integrate names or more casual terms to create a more realistic and engaging conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friendly neighbor" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "friendly" modifies the noun "neighbor". It typically identifies a person who lives nearby and exhibits positive, amicable qualities. Ludwig shows that the phrase is commonly used to describe real people, countries or even planets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "friendly neighbor" is a common and generally positive descriptor, used to depict someone who is kind and helpful in their community. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's important to ensure its usage aligns with the intended tone and the context. Common contexts include news, media, and everyday conversation. Consider alternatives like "amiable resident" or "neighborly individual" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neighborly individual

Uses the adjective "neighborly" to describe the individual, highlighting traits associated with good neighbors.

amiable resident

Replaces "neighbor" with a more formal term for resident, and "friendly" with "amiable", indicating a pleasant disposition.

kindly local

Uses "local" to denote someone from the area and "kindly" to describe their nature, implying warmth and consideration.

supportive local

Focuses on the aspect of providing support and assistance, highlighting the neighbor's helpfulness.

approachable housemate

Replaces "neighbor" with "housemate", suggesting shared living space, and "friendly" with "approachable", indicating openness to interaction.

cordial acquaintance next door

Emphasizes politeness and good manners with "cordial", and specifies location with "next door", implying a nearby relationship.

benevolent resident

Implies a charitable and generous nature, suggesting the neighbor is kind and giving.

helpful community member

Broadens the scope from immediate vicinity to the wider community, emphasizing assistance and support.

gracious local

Highlights the neighbor's courteous and refined manner, suggesting elegance and politeness.

pleasant person nearby

Uses simple and direct language to describe a likable individual in close proximity.

FAQs

How can I use "friendly neighbor" in a sentence?

You can use "friendly neighbor" to describe someone who is kind and helpful in your neighborhood. For example, "My "friendly neighbor" always brings over baked goods."

What are some synonyms for "friendly neighbor"?

Some synonyms for "friendly neighbor" include "amiable resident", "neighborly individual", or "helpful community member" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "friendly neighbor"?

While generally positive, consider the context. If there's underlying tension or sarcasm, using "friendly neighbor" might be inappropriate and could imply the opposite of its intended meaning.

What is the difference between a "friendly neighbor" and a "good Samaritan"?

A ""friendly neighbor"" is someone who is generally kind and helpful within their immediate vicinity. A "good Samaritan" is someone who helps others, often strangers, in times of need, regardless of location or familiarity.