intimate associates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimate associates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe close friends or companions with whom one shares a deep personal connection. Example: "She confided in her intimate associates about her plans for the future, knowing they would support her unconditionally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

India was another exception, because of ritual requirements that the social origins of intimate associates be known; there slaves were ritually distanced from their owners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it chillingly lays bare the skill with which Mr. Tsarnaev appears to have concealed plans for the bombing from even his most intimate associates.

The New York Times

The play presents retrospectively a series of encounters over a 25-year span between the protagonist, Quentin, a lawyer who is about 50 years old, and his intimate associates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

General Khanh had "a deserved reputation as a brilliant and driving field commander, but also as a 'lone wolf,' " The Times wrote, adding, "He has no truly intimate associates among the other generals".

The New York Times

During that period Kurbsky also became one of the tsar's intimate associates and in 1553 demonstrated his loyalty to Ivan, who was then seriously ill, by pledging to support Ivan's infant son Fyodor as heir, although many nobles refused to do so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somewhere along the trajectory of a life that began in the anonymity of an orphanage in Pennsylvania, where he was charged with mucking out dairy barns, and ended in notoriety on the national blogosphere, where his public statement was mined for political point-scoring on both sides, a quiet disconnect known only to his most intimate associates developed in the 53-year-old man known here as Joe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Peter Hiley, who was an intimate associate of Olivier's, is quoted as saying that the actor was snobbish, single-minded and ruthless.

The Economist

Sloan refers to the intimate business associates of a lifetime as Mr. Pratt, Mr. Kettering, and Mr. Mott; for even the lowliest new hire at Google, it's Larry and Sergey.

The New Yorker

Along with the appearance of every major book, they note the passing of each Lincoln intimate and associate, whether it's William Florville, Lincoln's Springfield barber, in 1868, or, five years later, Salmon P. Chase, "the sixth of Lincoln's thirteen cabinet members to join him in death".

The New Yorker

An area is curtilage if it "harbors the intimate activity associated with the sanctity of a man's home and the privacies of life".

Wikipedia

The situation is likely to be aggravated due to FSWs' low socio-economic and education status, stigma and discrimination, and the high level of violence from intimate partners associated with their sex work [ 12- 15].

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intimate associates", consider the context. It suggests a deeper level of trust and familiarity than a simple "friend" or "colleague". Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize that close personal connection.

Common error

Avoid using "intimate associates" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral term like "colleagues" or "team members" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly familiar or even inappropriate in some situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate associates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a group of people characterized by close, personal relationships. As stated in Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and it often serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

36%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intimate associates" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that describes individuals sharing a close, personal relationship. According to Ludwig, this term is correct in written English and is suitable for denoting a select group of trusted individuals. Although "intimate associates" is not very common, it appears in news, encyclopedias, and science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider whether the context calls for emphasizing a deep personal connection, and be mindful of using it in overly formal situations where a more general term might suffice. Alternatives such as "close friends" or "trusted companions" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate friends

This variation places more emphasis on the emotional intimacy.

closest friends

A more general term for individuals with strong bonds.

close confidants

Emphasizes the trust and shared secrets within the relationship.

personal confidants

Highlights the personal nature of the relationship.

trusted companions

Highlights the reliability and camaraderie between individuals.

dearest companions

Implies deep affection and fondness.

inner circle

Refers to a select group of people with privileged access or influence.

closest allies

Suggests a bond formed through shared goals or support.

confidential advisors

Stresses the role of providing trusted advice and guidance.

inner sanctum

Suggests a private group with exclusive membership and potentially secret knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "intimate associates" to describe people with whom someone shares a close, personal relationship. For example: "She confided in her "intimate associates" about her deepest fears".

What's a good alternative to "intimate associates"?

Alternatives to "intimate associates" include "close friends", "personal confidants", or "trusted companions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intimate associates" too informal for professional writing?

While "intimate associates" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too informal for some professional contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "colleagues" or "key advisors" depending on the situation.

What is the difference between "intimate associates" and "close acquaintances"?

"Intimate associates" suggests a much deeper level of trust and personal connection than "close acquaintances". Acquaintances are people you know and interact with, but intimate associates are those with whom you share a close bond and personal details.