good friends

USAGE SUMMARY

"good friends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to people who have a strong, positive relationship. For example, "My best friend and I have been good friends for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just good friends".

The New Yorker

Still really good friends".

Independent

We're good friends.

Independent

Good friends, God bless!

The New Yorker

Welcome, good friends".

Encyclopedia Britannica

They became good friends".

The New Yorker

"We're still good friends.

The New York Times

We remain good friends.

The New York Times

They were good friends.

The New Yorker

Three good friends.

The New Yorker

"Some are good friends.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good friends" when you want to emphasize a positive and supportive relationship between people. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, "good friends" might sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using phrases like "close colleagues" or "trusted associates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good friends" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing people who share a positive and supportive relationship. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely applicable in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good friends" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe individuals who share a positive and supportive relationship. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used and understood across various contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples from reliable sources like the New York Times, the New Yorker and the Guardian. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the formality of the situation. In highly formal or academic settings, alternatives such as "close colleagues" or "trusted associates" may be more appropriate. However, in most everyday scenarios, "good friends" effectively conveys warmth, trust, and mutual support, solidifying its place as a valuable expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best mates

Indicates a particularly strong and close friendship.

close companions

Focuses on the closeness and camaraderie of the relationship.

loyal pals

Stresses the aspect of unwavering support and reliability.

dear comrades

Emphasizes a sense of shared loyalty and affection.

trusted confidants

Emphasizes the sharing of secrets and deep trust.

intimate acquaintances

Highlights a deep level of familiarity and personal knowledge.

kindred spirits

Highlights shared values, interests, and understanding.

bosom buddies

Conveys a sense of lightheartedness and strong connection.

soul brothers/sisters

Implies a very deep and spiritual connection.

partners in crime

Indicates shared adventures and mischievous activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "good friends" to describe people who have a strong, positive relationship. For example, "They have been "good friends" since childhood".

What are some alternatives to saying "good friends"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "close companions", "best mates", or "loyal pals".

Is it appropriate to use "good friends" in professional communication?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of the context. In very formal settings, alternatives like "close colleagues" or "trusted associates" might be more suitable.

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

"Good friends" implies a strong, positive relationship with mutual support and affection, while "acquaintances" refers to people you know casually but don't have a deep connection with.