group of friends

USAGE SUMMARY

"group of friends" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to any collection of friends. For example, "I spent the evening with my group of friends from college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I have an intimate group of friends.

Independent

She has a small group of friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They have the same group of friends.

The New York Times

A group of friends in an apartment.

The Guardian

But my core group of friends don't.

The Guardian - Tech

We had the same group of friends.

The New York Times - Sports

Has their usual group of friends changed?

The Guardian

I was with a group of friends.

The Guardian - Sport

Feeling shut out of a group of friends.

The New York Times - Style

Burton cleans and repairs houses with a group of friends.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Chair, Skegness Group of Friends.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the "group of friends" being referenced. For example, specify "college group of friends" or "childhood group of friends" for clarity.

Common error

Don't assume the reader knows which "group of friends" you're talking about, especially if you've mentioned multiple groups. Provide context to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "group of friends" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include "I was with a group of friends" and "assemble your group of friends".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

40%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "group of friends" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a collection of individuals connected by friendship. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, from casual conversation to news reports. While its register is generally neutral to informal, the specific context often dictates the level of formality. To enhance clarity, specifying the nature of the "group of friends" (e.g., "college group of friends") can be beneficial. Alternatives like "circle of friends" or "social circle" offer slightly different nuances, allowing for more precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circle of friends

Emphasizes a close, intimate collection of friends.

collection of mates

Suggests a group of close friends, especially in British English.

social circle

Focuses on the broader network of acquaintances and friends.

crew of associates

Implies a team or group of people working or spending time together.

set of companions

Highlights the idea of individuals who regularly accompany each other.

band of comrades

Suggests a close-knit group with shared experiences or goals.

clique of buddies

Implies a more exclusive or tight-knit group of male friends.

network of pals

Focuses on the connections and relationships within a friendly group.

gathering of acquaintances

Highlights a less intimate assembly of people who know each other.

company of fellows

Formal term indicating a group of people associated with each other.

FAQs

How can I use "group of friends" in a sentence?

You can use "group of friends" to describe a set of people who are friends. For example, "I went to the movies with my "group of friends"".

What's a more formal way to say "group of friends"?

While "group of friends" is generally acceptable, you could use "circle of acquaintances" or "social network" in more formal contexts depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "group of friends" or "friends group"?

"Group of friends" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "Friends group" is less frequently used.

What can I say instead of "group of friends"?

You can use alternatives like "circle of friends", "social circle", or "network of friends" depending on the context.