great friend

USAGE SUMMARY

'great friend' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that someone has a positive relationship with another person. For example, you could write, "John is a great friend; I can always count on him for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Great friend.

The New York Times

"Great friend & producer.

Independent

She's a great friend.

The New York Times

Great friend to many.

The New York Times

He's been a great friend".

The New York Times

I'm great friend of him.

The New York Times - Sports

She's such a great friend.

The New York Times - Sports

A great friend to all.

The New York Times

Jenna's a great friend of mine.

The New York Times

World traveler, great friend and listener.

The New York Times

"Your governor has been a great friend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person as a "great friend", specify what makes them so, such as their loyalty, supportiveness, or sense of humor. This adds depth and sincerity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "great friend" as a generic compliment. Instead, illustrate the friendship with specific anecdotes or qualities. This makes the description more meaningful and less cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great friend" functions as a noun phrase, where "great" modifies the noun "friend". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great friend" is a common and grammatically sound way to express appreciation for someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the numerous examples highlight its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best practice to add specificity when describing a "great friend", going beyond the generic compliment to detail specific qualities that make the friendship valuable. Consider alternatives like "close companion" or "true ally" to add nuance to your expression. Keep in mind that, as versatile as the expression is, overuse without providing a specific value of such friendship may result in sounding cliche.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close companion

Replaces "great" with "close", emphasizing intimacy and mutual support.

good mate

Uses "mate" instead of "friend", suggesting camaraderie and fellowship, especially in informal contexts.

reliable buddy

Uses "buddy" to convey a sense of dependability and companionship.

loyal confidant

Highlights the aspect of trust and reliance in the friendship.

dear pal

Emphasizes affection and warmth, suitable for more personal expressions.

true ally

Focuses on support and shared goals, portraying the friend as someone who stands by you.

invaluable comrade

Highlights the significance of the friend's presence and contribution to one's life.

wonderful acquaintance

Uses a more formal term ("acquaintance") to describe a positive, but potentially less intimate, relationship.

cherished associate

Implies a valued connection, often in a professional or social context.

esteemed colleague

Highlights respect and admiration, suitable for describing a friend in a work environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "great friend" to describe someone who is supportive, loyal, and reliable. For example, "She's a "great friend"; I can always count on her when I need help."

What are some alternative phrases for "great friend"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "great friend" in formal writing?

While "great friend" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "esteemed colleague" or "valued associate" in professional contexts.

What qualities typically define a "great friend"?

A "great friend" is usually characterized by qualities such as loyalty, trustworthiness, empathy, and a willingness to provide support and understanding during both good and bad times.