loved ones

USAGE SUMMARY

"loved ones" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are close to you and you care about deeply. For example, you might say "We spent the holiday season with our beloved loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Call your loved ones on the phone.

WikiHow

Rely on loved ones.

WikiHow

Ease the burden on your loved ones.

WikiHow

Are our loved ones safe?

The New York Times

Reconnect with faraway loved ones.

The New York Times

Many loved ones simply disappeared.

The Economist

"They're risking their loved ones.

The New York Times

I need loved ones.

The New York Times - Sports

We have loved ones.

The New Yorker

Fetch your loved ones!

The Guardian - Sport

All your loved ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loved ones" when you want to emphasize the emotional bond and personal connection you have with the people you are referring to.

Common error

While "loved ones" is a common and accepted phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "family", "friends", or "those closest to you" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loved ones" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. It refers to people who are held in affection and are important to someone. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

35%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "loved ones" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to people who are cherished and important. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard expression in English. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki-based content, and serves to express affection and concern. While generally neutral in tone, it may be replaced with more formal terms in professional or academic writing. Remember to use a variety of expressions to avoid repetition, and consider context when choosing between "loved ones" and alternatives like "family members" or "dear ones".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

family members

Focuses specifically on familial relationships, excluding close friends or partners.

dear ones

Emphasizes the emotional value and affection held for those people.

close relatives

Highlights the blood relations and proximity in the family tree.

nearest and dearest

A more emphatic and affectionate way of referring to those closest to someone.

intimates

Highlights the close personal relationship and familiarity.

inner circle

Refers to a group of trusted confidants and close associates.

people you cherish

Highlights the act of valuing and treasuring certain individuals.

special people in your life

A broader term including anyone significant, not necessarily family.

those you hold dear

Emphasizes the act of cherishing and valuing specific individuals.

your kin

Refers specifically to blood relatives and family.

FAQs

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

"Loved ones" is a versatile phrase. You might say, "Spend time with your loved ones during the holidays" or "The program provides support for families and their loved ones".

What's a more formal alternative to "loved ones"?

Depending on the context, you could use "family members", "relatives", or "dependents" as more formal alternatives to "loved ones".

What words are similar to "loved ones"?

Similar phrases include "dear ones", "family members", or "close friends". The best choice depends on the specific relationship you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "love ones" instead of "loved ones"?

No, "love ones" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "loved ones", where "loved" functions as an adjective describing the "ones".