friendly words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "friendly words" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe words or phrases that are kind, warm, or supportive in nature. Example: "She always knows how to comfort me with her friendly words during tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

My friendly words from the BTDT?

The New York Times

This week, there was a nice reception and a lot of friendly words.

The New Yorker

Now and then a teacher or an acquaintance would toss her a few friendly words.

The New Yorker

"He came out of the side-room, shook everyone's hand, and said a few friendly words.

The Guardian

In a situation like this, it's hard to say anything, but friendly words are enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Germany began promoting Mr. Clinton's friendly words as a tacit endorsement, administration officials said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

First, a friendly word of advice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Waiters take time for a friendly word or joke but nevertheless get the job done.

The New York Times

MELODRAMATIC was a friendly word to clue, with many anagram and composite anagram possibilities.

The Guardian

So why complain to advice columns when a friendly word to the adjacent will probably do the trick?

The New York Times

Off-camera, Carell holds doors, waits in line, always has a friendly word, and never calls attention to himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "friendly words" in situations where you want to emphasize the positive and supportive nature of communication. For example, in customer service, team building, or personal relationships, using "friendly words" can help create a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Common error

Avoid using "friendly words" in situations where sincerity is paramount. Overusing them without genuine feeling can be perceived as insincere or manipulative, undermining trust and rapport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friendly words" functions as a noun phrase, where "friendly" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "words". Ludwig AI indicates that it generally describes language that is kind, supportive, or welcoming. Examples show it used to describe interactions, greetings, and advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "friendly words" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe kind and supportive communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is deemed correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this phrase serves to establish rapport and offer encouragement, with a register leaning toward neutral-informal. While it's a valuable tool for fostering positive interactions, it's essential to use it sincerely to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "kind remarks" or "warm greetings" to fine-tune the message to fit specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind remarks

Replaces "words" with "remarks", emphasizing the spoken aspect and the nature of the communication.

warm greetings

Focuses on the act of greeting someone in a friendly way, offering a more specific context.

amiable expressions

Uses "amiable" to highlight the pleasantness and agreeableness of the communication.

pleasantries

Offers a concise and polite way to refer to friendly conversation.

supportive comments

Emphasizes the encouraging and helpful nature of the spoken words.

encouraging words

Highlights the intention to inspire and motivate through speech.

gentle conversation

Refers to the overall interaction, emphasizing its softness and kindness.

cordial exchange

Highlights the politeness and formality of the interaction.

gracious sentiments

Emphasizes the courtesy and goodwill expressed through the words.

benevolent utterances

Focuses on the well-meaning and charitable nature of the spoken words.

FAQs

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

You can use "friendly words" to describe kind and supportive communication, such as "She offered "friendly words" of encouragement during my presentation".

What are some alternatives to saying "friendly words"?

Alternatives include "kind remarks", "warm greetings", or "supportive comments" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "friendly words"?

While generally positive, using "friendly words" may not be suitable in highly formal or serious situations where direct and concise language is preferred. Consider the context and audience.

What's the difference between "friendly words" and flattery?

"Friendly words" are generally sincere and supportive, while flattery is often excessive and insincere, intended to gain favor. The key difference lies in the intent and genuineness of the communication.