intimate acquaintances

USAGE SUMMARY

"intimate acquaintances" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you're talking about relationships between people who know each other very well and feel close to each other. Example sentence: My boss and I are intimate acquaintances and we have a strong bond.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Every person left the room, except Beethoven and the master of the house, one of his most intimate acquaintances.

The Guardian - Music

When the victim's relationship to the shooter could be identified, 94 percent of these women were murdered by a man they knew, and of those, 61 percent were wives or intimate acquaintances.

The New York Times

The haze through which they regard their most intimate acquaintances and relatives isn't so much love as guilt: guilt at being unable to connect and blundering hurtfully when they try.

The New York Times

When he finally finished his letter, shouting the sign-off he used for friendly but not intimate acquaintances — "with best wishes!" — it was with the aplomb of a maestro flinging down his baton.

The New Yorker

They have just the same aggressive, violent instincts as men, but direct them at different targets - members of their own family, intimate acquaintances, lovers, partners or children - but also at their own bodies in self-harm.

The Guardian

The Violence Policy Center reports that in 2013, of all women killed by men, 94% knew the perpetrator, and 62% were wives or intimate acquaintances of their killers.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Abbott's intimate acquaintance with dystopian horror inspired Shameless.

The Guardian

Vintage whisky gone, son develops an intimate acquaintance with Cif.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She has made the intimate acquaintance of one obliging oligarch after another.

The New Yorker

I have no intimate acquaintance with the personal lives of these dramatists.

The New York Times

"The very stones in the garden walls are my intimate acquaintance," wrote Cowper.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing. "Intimate acquaintances" may be appropriate in formal or neutral registers, but avoid it in overly casual or informal settings where simpler terms like "friends" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "intimate acquaintances" when describing purely professional relationships or people you've just met. The term implies a degree of personal connection that might not exist, which could be misleading or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate acquaintances" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a group of people who are known personally and share a degree of closeness. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and applicable in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimate acquaintances" describes relationships that are more personal than casual acquaintances but less intense than close friendships. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in a variety of writing contexts. It is frequently used in news and media, science, and encyclopedias sources and it is important to consider the degree of closeness intended when using this phrase, avoiding overstatements. Consider alternatives like "close companions" or "close associates" for similar but slightly different nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "intimate acquaintances" to convey nuanced relationships in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate friends

Similar but puts more emphasis on friendship.

close associates

Emphasizes the proximity and connection in the association.

close companions

Emphasizes companionship and a shared sense of closeness.

dear friends

Highlights the affection and value placed on the relationship.

personal confidants

Focuses on the trust and sharing of personal matters.

best friends

Suggests a high degree of closeness and emotional connection.

familiar associates

Indicates a sense of familiarity and regular interaction.

trusted colleagues

Highlights trust and professional collaboration.

inner circle

Refers to a select group of close and trusted individuals.

close family

Although referring to family it shares the concept of closeness.

FAQs

How can I use "intimate acquaintances" in a sentence?

You can use "intimate acquaintances" to describe people you know well and with whom you share a certain level of trust and familiarity. For example, "She only invites her "intimate acquaintances" to her annual holiday party".

What are some alternatives to "intimate acquaintances"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "close companions", "dear friends", or "close associates". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intimate acquaintances" in a formal setting?

Yes, "intimate acquaintances" is generally appropriate in formal or neutral settings. However, consider your audience and the specific context. In very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise term if the level of intimacy is crucial to the meaning.

What's the difference between "intimate acquaintances" and "casual acquaintances"?

"Intimate acquaintances" implies a degree of personal connection, trust, and familiarity. "Casual acquaintances", on the other hand, refers to people you know on a less personal level, often through brief or infrequent interactions.