long-time mate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-time mate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a friend or companion with whom one has had a long-standing relationship. Example: "After years of adventures together, I can confidently say that he is my long-time mate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Her long-time mate Yuri was put down in 2010.

BBC

Sasha's long-time mate Yuri was put down in 2010.

BBC

Sasha's long-time mate Yuri had been put down the previous year.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She has the best little black book in town: Gordon and Sarah Brown are long-time mates; she shares an office with Richard Curtis and hangs out with Mick Jagger; and then there is George.

Independent

Another long-time team-mate, Matt Stevens, feels similarly.

The Guardian - Sport

One long-time team-mate had never seen the striker so excited.

The Guardian - Sport

De Vecchi was a long-time team-mate of Jimmy and Stacey at both Leichhardt and representative level, and talks of Cody and Jarryn as if they are his own kids.

The Guardian - Sport

Long-time team-mate Rio Ferdinand added on Twitter that Giggs had "so many gold medals he puts B.A. Baracus to shame".

BBC

Long-time team-mate, 35-year-old Martyn Williams' career will end on 99 caps unless he is called up to join Wales partyy because of injury.

BBC

Though long-time team-mates Paul Scholes and Gary Nevillee  have both retired in the past 12 months, Giggs has continued to play an integral role when called upon by Ferguson.

BBC

Pellegrini said he knew the former England international, who scored 211 goals in 648 appearances for the London club, would have an impact against his long-time team-mates.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "long-time mate", consider the context to ensure that the level of formality aligns with your intended audience. In professional settings, "long-time colleague" or "long-standing associate" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "long-time mate" in formal documents or business communications. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "long-time colleague" or "long-standing associate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-time mate" functions as a noun phrase, where "long-time" modifies the noun "mate". It acts as a descriptor, identifying someone as a friend or companion of extended duration, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-time mate" is a grammatically correct and usable term to describe someone you've known and been friends with for a significant period. While versatile, it is more commonly found in neutral contexts like news articles and general conversation, according to Ludwig's analysis. For formal settings, alternatives such as "long-time colleague" or "long-standing associate" might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability while highlighting the importance of context in choosing the most suitable wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longtime friend

A straightforward substitution, highlighting the friendly aspect of a long-lasting relationship.

longstanding companion

Focuses on the duration and friendly nature of the relationship, using 'companion' instead of 'mate'.

steadfast pal

An informal way to describe a reliable friend of many years.

old comrade

Emphasizes a shared history and camaraderie, often in a professional or shared experience context.

established confidant

Highlights the trust and personal connection developed over a long period.

long-term colleague

Specifically denotes a professional relationship that has lasted for an extended period.

seasoned associate

Denotes a colleague with extensive experience and a prolonged working relationship.

long-serving partner

Suggests a formal or business-related association that has been maintained over a considerable time.

enduring ally

Implies a supportive relationship where individuals have consistently sided with each other over time.

old crony

Suggests a close, often informal, relationship that has persisted for many years, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

FAQs

What does "long-time mate" mean?

The phrase "long-time mate" refers to a friend or companion with whom you have a relationship that has lasted for a significant period of time.

What can I say instead of "long-time mate"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "longstanding companion", "old comrade", or "longtime friend".

Is "long-time mate" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "long-time mate" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "long-term colleague" or "long-serving partner".

How can I use "long-time mate" in a sentence?

You can use "long-time mate" to describe a person with whom you've had a relationship for a long time. For example: "After years of adventures together, I can confidently say that he is my "long-time mate".