longtime friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longtime friend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone you have known for a significant period of time, emphasizing the duration of the friendship. Example: "I was thrilled to see my longtime friend at the reunion after so many years apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Never," León, his longtime friend, said.

The New Yorker

Longtime friend of Bill Wilson.

The New York Times

We've lost our longtime friend.

The New York Times

Phelps remained McGuire's longtime friend.

The New York Times - Sports

Dinkins, a longtime friend of Mr. McCall.

The New York Times

The Yagoda family mourns the passing of our longtime friend.

The New York Times

Mr. Perry is a longtime friend and hunting buddy.

The New York Times

He had been a longtime friend of Jasper Johns's.

The New York Times - Arts

This longtime friend of theirs, however, vigorously disputed that possibility.

The New Yorker

"He lives, breathes and dies politics," one longtime friend said.

The New York Times

A longtime friend said the attacks affected Mr. Menendez deeply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longtime friend" to emphasize the duration and history of a friendship, particularly when this duration is relevant to the context. For example, "My longtime friend offered invaluable advice based on years of shared experience."

Common error

While "longtime friend" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "old friend", "close friend", or "dear friend" to prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longtime friend" functions primarily as a compound adjective modifying a noun (friend). It serves to describe and characterize the friend as someone known for a considerable duration. Ludwig examples show the usage in news context and other writing excerpts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longtime friend" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a friend with whom one has shared a lasting relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the duration of the friendship, often implying a deeper connection and shared history. While versatile, the register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. Alternatives such as "old friend" or "close friend" offer nuanced variations, while overusing "longtime friend" should be avoided for stylistic reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Old friend

Focuses on the duration of the friendship, similar to the original phrase.

Close friend

Emphasizes the intimacy and emotional connection within the friendship.

Dear friend

Highlights the affection and value placed on the friendship.

Lifelong companion

Suggests a deep and enduring connection that spans a significant portion of life.

Trusted confidant

Highlights the element of trust and reliance within the friendship.

Oldest ally

Conveys a sense of enduring support and loyalty over a considerable period.

Longstanding acquaintance

More formal; focuses on the extended period of knowing someone, without necessarily implying deep friendship.

Childhood friend

Specifies that the friendship originated in childhood.

Mate since way back

An informal expression indicating a friend from the distant past.

Constant companion

Highlights that someone has constantly been by the subject's side.

FAQs

How can I use "longtime friend" in a sentence?

You can use "longtime friend" to describe someone you have known for many years and with whom you share a strong bond. For instance, "My longtime friend, Sarah, has always been there for me."

What are some alternatives to "longtime friend"?

Alternatives include "old friend", "close friend", or "dear friend". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "long time friend" instead of "longtime friend"?

While "long time friend" might be understood, "longtime friend" is the more common and grammatically accepted form, especially in formal writing. It functions as a compound adjective modifying "friend".

What's the difference between a "longtime friend" and an "acquaintance"?

A "longtime friend" implies a close, enduring relationship built on mutual trust and shared experiences. An "acquaintance", even one known for a long time, suggests a more superficial or casual association.