kindred spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

'kindred spirits' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe two people who share the same values, interests, attitudes, and/or beliefs. For example, "My best friend and I are kindred spirits; we have a lot in common and have been friends since we were kids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were kindred spirits.

The Guardian - Film

They were far from kindred spirits.

Independent

Or: "We are kindred spirits".

The Guardian - Books

It's like you're kindred spirits".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They felt like kindred spirits.

The Guardian

These kindred spirits are alive and inseparable.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were, she realised, kindred spirits.

The Guardian - Arts

Jeter and Steinbrenner are kindred spirits again.

The New York Times - Sports

These artists are Mr. Gehry's kindred spirits.

The New York Times - Arts

In that respect, they were kindred spirits.

The New York Times

"We found ourselves to be kindred spirits".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "kindred spirits" to establish character relationships or to hint at underlying connections between seemingly disparate individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "kindred spirits" to simply describe people who share a hobby or interest. The phrase implies a more profound connection and shared worldview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kindred spirits" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify individuals who share a deep connection and understanding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalent use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kindred spirits" describes individuals who share a deep and profound connection, exceeding the bounds of typical friendship. It's grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic spheres. Ludwig AI confirms this, supported by numerous real-world examples. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the connection truly reflects shared values and understanding. Alternatives like "soulmates" or "like-minded individuals" can provide nuanced alternatives based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soulmates

Implies a romantic or deeply spiritual connection beyond just shared interests.

allied souls

Highlights a sense of partnership and shared purpose.

people who resonate

Emphasizes a feeling of deep understanding and connection.

like-minded individuals

Focuses on shared beliefs and opinions rather than a broader connection.

sympathetic hearts

Underlines shared empathy and emotional understanding.

people of the same mind

Highlights agreement and shared perspective.

birds of a feather

A common idiom indicating people with similar characteristics or interests.

fellow travelers

Emphasizes a shared journey or experience, either literally or figuratively.

compatriots

Suggests a shared sense of national identity or purpose.

compatibile personalities

Focuses more specifically on the compatibility of individual traits.

FAQs

How can I use "kindred spirits" in a sentence?

You can use "kindred spirits" to describe people who share a deep connection and understanding, such as, "We quickly realized we were "kindred spirits" because we shared the same values and passions."

What are some alternatives to "kindred spirits"?

Alternatives include "soulmates", "like-minded individuals", or "allied souls", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "kindred spirits" in formal writing?

Yes, "kindred spirits" can be used in formal writing, but consider your audience and the tone of your piece. It's more common in creative writing or when discussing personal relationships.

What distinguishes "kindred spirits" from "friends"?

"Friends" is a broad term for people you enjoy spending time with. "Kindred spirits" implies a deeper, more profound connection based on shared values, beliefs, and understanding, suggesting a more meaningful bond than simple friendship.