loved one

USAGE SUMMARY

"loved one" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is close to you, who you care about deeply. For example, "He was very close to his grandmother, and she was like a second mother to him—a true loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or a loved one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Particularly with a loved one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He loved one specific person.

The New Yorker

Cheating hurts a loved one.

The New York Times - Books

A loved one dies.

TechCrunch

What precisely happened to their loved one?

SEP

Honor your loved one.

Huffington Post

Hug a loved one.

Huffington Post

Kiss a loved one.

Huffington Post

They loved one another.

Huffington Post

Your shark is a loved one!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loved one" to convey a sense of personal connection and affection, especially when discussing family relationships or close friendships. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "loved one" excessively in formal or professional documents where a more neutral term like "family member" or "relative" might be more appropriate. Too much emotional language can detract from the document's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loved one" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples demonstrate its role in identifying individuals held in high regard or affection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

35%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loved one" is a commonly used noun phrase that conveys affection and deep emotional connection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, as excessive use in formal writing can diminish credibility. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase frequently appears in news media and general interest articles. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "dear one" or "close family member" depending on the desired level of formality and emotional intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dear one

This alternative is a more intimate and affectionate term.

close family member

This alternative specifies the familial relationship more explicitly.

family member

Omitting "close" broadens the scope to include any member of the family.

dearest friend

This alternative shifts the focus to a strong friendship bond.

significant other

This phrase usually refers to a romantic partner.

next of kin

This is a formal, legal term for closest relatives.

cherished companion

This phrase emphasizes the value and fondness associated with the person.

intimate partner

This term is more direct and clinical, referring to a romantic or sexual relationship.

special someone

This alternative is a more generic way of referring to someone who is loved.

soulmate

This phrase implies a deep, spiritual connection.

FAQs

How can I use "loved one" in a sentence?

You can use "loved one" to refer to someone you care deeply about, such as "Taking care of a "loved one" requires patience and understanding".

What are some alternatives to "loved one"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "dear one", "close family member", or "special someone".

Is it appropriate to use "loved one" in formal writing?

While "loved one" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In some formal contexts, "family member" or "relative" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "loved one" and "family member"?

"Family member" is a broader term that includes all members of a family, while "loved one" implies a closer, more affectionate relationship. Not all family members are necessarily "loved ones" in the same intimate sense.