loyal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "loyal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who shows great loyalty and devotion to someone or something, such as a cause or belief. For example, "He was a loyal friend who would always be there for me when I needed him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Society

Film

Science

Politics

Lifestyle

Travel

Tech

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The loyal supporters who stayed with us need to savour this moment.

The Guardian - Sport

If anything, it confirmed a growing perception that Kennedy's MPs remained too loyal to him for too long Hurst's book will still find plenty of buyers at Brighton, but not because of a hunger for more scandal about the former Liberal Democrat leader.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mission – which has already seen OPCW inspectors come under sniper fire – was agreed as a means to avoid US-led militactiontion against Syria following a gas attack blamed on forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad in August which killed more than 1,400 people.

The Guardian

Both sides had a loyal following, but it was Piketty whose meticulous examination of the evidence, seemed to provide the impartial proof audiences were craving.

The Guardian - Money

One of the main hazards of becoming prime minister is the problems that arise when mischief-making newspapers cry, and maliciously inclined colleagues whisper: "Look behind you!" Alan Johnson would, I am sure, take on the job with the absolute intention of being a loyal deputy.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the west, Karpov was seen as the Kremlin's man, a colourless, loyal communist.

The Guardian - Sport

The Somali government, although internationally recognised, is weak; its army is mostly a mixture of militias still loyal to quarrelling warlords.

The Guardian

Even the normally loyal Sunday Mirror carried a piece headlined "Miliband's got six weeks to shape up".

The Guardian

At MGM, she played the loyal wife of disillusioned cop Barry Sullivan in the chase thriller Cry of the Hunted (1953), but did little more than look pretty in the western Escape from Fort Bravo and the rodeo drama Arena (both 1953).

The Guardian - Film

He was an inspirational colleague, an adventurous field-worker, a lover of life, a loyal friend and a superb cook.

The Guardian

His default switch is set to positive and he is fiercely loyal to the NHS, which he joined 10 years ago, working first as a cleaner, before moving to portering.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loyal" to describe sustained and unwavering support, particularly when highlighting dedication through challenges or changing circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "loyal" in contexts where consistent behavior is simply expected rather than a specific act of allegiance. Reserve it for situations where dedication goes above and beyond normal expectations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "loyal" functions primarily to describe the quality of unwavering allegiance and commitment that a person or entity exhibits towards another. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcases its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sport

7%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Society

5%

Film

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "loyal" functions as an adjective signifying unwavering support and allegiance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct and widely applicable. The word appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing relationships and commitments in current events and discussions. While various synonyms exist, such as "faithful" and "devoted", "loyal" specifically emphasizes steadfastness, as shown by Ludwig examples. Use "loyal" to portray strong, reliable bonds, avoiding its use where simple adherence to expectation is present. A common mistake is to simply overuse it when a different adjective would be more appropriate. Finally, "loyal" maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faithful

Focuses on unwavering adherence to commitments or persons.

devoted

Highlights deep affection and dedication.

steadfast

Emphasizes unwavering commitment despite challenges.

dedicated

Suggests a strong commitment to a cause or person.

true-blue

Implies unwavering loyalty, often to a political party or set of beliefs.

allegiant

Highlights formal allegiance to a person, cause, or entity.

constant

Stresses the consistency and reliability of support.

trustworthy

Focuses on the reliability and integrity associated with loyalty.

unwavering

Emphasizes the firmness and determination of commitment.

patriotic

Specifically indicates loyalty and devotion to one's country.

FAQs

How is the word "loyal" typically used in a sentence?

The word "loyal" is generally used to describe someone who is firm in their allegiance to a person, institution, or cause. For example, "He was a "loyal friend"".

What words can I use instead of "loyal"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "faithful", "devoted", or "steadfast" to convey a similar meaning to "loyal".

Is it correct to say someone is "loyal to" a thing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to say someone is "loyal to" a thing such as a company, a brand, or a cause. This implies a strong and unwavering commitment to that entity or ideal.

What's the difference between "loyal" and "faithful"?

"Loyal" suggests a steadfast allegiance and support, while "faithful" often refers to keeping promises or being true to someone, especially in relationships. While similar, "loyal" emphasizes dedication, whereas "faithful" emphasizes adherence to commitments.