friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals with whom one has a close personal relationship, often in informal contexts. Example: "I invited all my friends to the party this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is unacceptable and distressing to those who lost friends and family.

The Guardian

You could imagine the chilly atmosphere at the breakfast table, the prime minister is said to have remarked to friends afterwards.

The Guardian

Friends of Pugh expressed their shock on social media.

The Guardian

I felt that my friends and neighbors were saying that my love is not the same as theirs".

The Economist

"What about friends?

The New York Times

"Putting on a show or a concert with all their friends there and their family, it makes them feel good about themselves".

The Guardian

However, a few hours later, Bruno Gollnisch, one of Le Pen's oldest and closest friends announced he would also seek nomination to lead the FN's list.

The Guardian

The thought of having to network for another month, to meet just another 20 people felt time intensive so I developed a referral system which encouraged people I knew, and trusted, to refer their single friends to me.

The Guardian

I'd read the lyrics of songs I liked, lots of Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, and got my friends to correct me when I spoke poorly.

The Guardian - Sport

Relatives, friends and teachers of 16 German schoolchildren who were returning from an exchange in Spain when the plane crashed are also present.

The Guardian

Constantly checking my phone not only makes me bad company (sorry friends), but it makes me worry that there's something I'm missing or something I've failed to cover in one of my stories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of the word "friends" by varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "acquaintances", "confidants", or more descriptive phrases like "intimate circle".

Common error

Be mindful of the informal connotation of the word "friends". In formal writing, substituting with "colleagues" or "associates" may be more appropriate. Consider the context and audience to make the best choice.

Linguistic Context

The word "friends" primarily functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple individuals in a companionship. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a commonly used term for people whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "friends" is a versatile and widely used term, but its informal connotation should be considered in formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse sources. Related terms such as "companions", "pals", and "acquaintances" offer alternative shades of meaning for specific situations. Use "friends" when conveying a sense of closeness and camaraderie, keeping in mind the audience and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidants

Refers to "friends" with whom one shares secrets and personal matters.

companions

Formal synonym for "friends", often implying a shared journey or experience.

pals

Informal term for "friends", suggesting a sense of camaraderie and closeness.

buddies

Casual term for "friends", often used among men.

mates

British English term for "friends", indicating a strong bond.

intimate circle

Emphasizes the personal and exclusive nature of a "friends" group.

partners in crime

Playful term for "friends" who share mischievous or adventurous experiences.

close associates

A more formal term for "friends", often used in professional contexts.

fellowship

Group of people with similar interest or aim, suggesting stronger bond.

acquaintances

Describes people you know but are not necessarily close to.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "friends"?

You can use alternatives like "companions", "pals", "buddies", or "acquaintances" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "friends" in formal writing?

While "friends" is a common and widely understood term, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using words like "colleagues" or "associates" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "friends" and "acquaintances"?

"Friends" implies a closer, more personal relationship, while "acquaintances" refers to people you know but are not necessarily close to.

How to use "friends" in a sentence?

You can use "friends" in a variety of ways, such as "I'm going out with my friends tonight" or "She's one of my best friends."