good friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"good friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a friend who is dependable and supportive, or someone who you consider to be a close friend. For example, "My best friend is a good friend who I can rely on for advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good friend.

The New York Times

Burt defined good friend.

The New York Times

Grandfather and good friend.

The New York Times

He's a good friend".

The New York Times - Sports

"A good friend".

The New Yorker

"She's a good friend".

The New York Times

It's science, my good friend.

The New Yorker

Good friend to countless others.

The New York Times

"You are a good friend".

The New Yorker

He was a good friend".

The New York Times

She's my really good friend".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "good friend", consider adding specific details about their positive qualities or the experiences you've shared to make the description more meaningful and impactful.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is a "good friend" without providing context. Instead, illustrate their qualities with anecdotes or specific actions that demonstrate their friendship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good friend" functions primarily as a noun modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing the type of friend being referred to. As shown by Ludwig, it denotes a positive and supportive relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good friend" is a very common and widely understood expression used to describe a person with whom one shares a close, supportive, and trusting relationship. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, though overuse without specific examples should be avoided. While considered neutral in register, its purpose is to convey affection and appreciation. Alternative phrases like "close companion" or "loyal ally" can be used to emphasize specific aspects of the friendship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close companion

Highlights the closeness and companionship aspect of the friendship.

intimate friend

Highlights the closeness of the friendship, suggesting deep emotional connection.

loyal ally

Emphasizes the loyalty and supportive nature of the friend.

trusted confidant

Focuses on the trust and ability to share secrets with the friend.

true pal

An informal and affectionate way to refer to a good friend.

bosom buddy

An old-fashioned and slightly humorous term for a very close friend.

valued comrade

Emphasizes shared experiences and mutual respect.

dear colleague

More appropriate in professional settings, indicating a friendly and supportive coworker.

reliable peer

Suggests a supportive and dependable person at the same level.

longtime acquaintance

Highlights the duration of the friendship.

FAQs

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

You can use "good friend" to describe someone you trust and enjoy spending time with. For example, "She's a "good friend" who always supports my decisions".

What are some alternatives to saying "good friend"?

Alternatives include "close companion", "loyal ally", or "trusted confidant", depending on the specific aspect of the friendship you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "best good friend"?

While grammatically acceptable, saying "best good friend" can sound redundant. It's generally better to use either "best friend" or "good friend" for clarity.

What is the difference between a "good friend" and a "casual acquaintance"?

A "good friend" is someone you have a close, supportive relationship with, while a "casual acquaintance" is someone you know and interact with occasionally but do not have a deep connection with.