make a friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when giving advice or instructions, or when encouraging someone to do something. For example: "One of the best things you can do in life is make a friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better to make a friend of decay.

The New York Times

Buy something, make a friend, get information.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I just want to make a friend more," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"A smile can make a friend for you out of an enemy," he writes.

The New Yorker

Can't grow a potato, can't open my mailbox, can't make a friend.

The New York Times

We see her get acclimated to the school's activities and make a friend.

The Washington Post

Demonstrate genuine interest in the other party and make a friend.

Harvard Business Review

She was eager to "make a friend from far away," she said.

The New Yorker

Moreover, I hoped the sharing of spirits would help me make a friend or two.

The New York Times

LINDA C. LEE Everyone's Best Friend Linda Lee knew how to make a friend feel special.

The New York Times

I loved the experience studying abroad - please reach out to talk, ask questions, make a friend, anything!

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "make a friend" implies an active effort to build a connection with someone. It's not just about passively becoming friends, but actively initiating and nurturing a relationship.

Common error

Avoid being overly aggressive or pushy when trying to "make a friend". Genuine connections develop naturally over time and shared experiences. Forcing interactions can be counterproductive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a friend" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing the action of establishing a friendly relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts, from giving advice to narrating experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a friend" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of forming a friendship. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across numerous contexts. It's commonly found in News & Media and Wiki, showcasing its relevance in both informal and informative settings. When writing, consider the specific context; "establish a connection" may be more suitable in formal environments. Remember that building genuine friendships takes time and effort. Ludwig highlights that while the phrase is widely used and understood, mindful and considerate interaction is key to fostering meaningful relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

befriend someone

This alternative uses a verb form to directly express the act of becoming someone's friend.

strike up a friendship

This option suggests a more spontaneous beginning to a friendship.

form a friendship

This phrase emphasizes the creation of a bond of friendship, highlighting a more formal connection.

cultivate a friendship

This alternative highlights the effort and care involved in developing a friendship.

connect with someone

This alternative focuses on establishing a bond or rapport with another person.

establish a connection

This alternative highlights the act of creating a link or association with someone.

develop a relationship

This phrase is more general, referring to building any kind of connection, not just friendship.

build rapport

This phrase emphasizes establishing a harmonious relationship, often in a professional context.

win someone over

This phrase suggests actively trying to gain someone's friendship or favor.

become acquainted

This is a formal way to say that you have met someone and started to get to know them.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a friend" in various contexts, such as giving advice ("It's important to make a friend in every new environment"), narrating experiences ("I went to the park hoping to make a friend"), or expressing intentions ("I'm going to join a club to make a friend").

What are some alternatives to "make a friend"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "befriend someone", "form a friendship", or "connect with someone".

Is it grammatically correct to say "making a friend"?

Yes, "making a friend" is grammatically correct. It's the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I am making a friend") or as a gerund (e.g., "Making a friend is important").

What's the difference between "make a friend" and "be a friend"?

"Make a friend" refers to the act of forming a new friendship. "Be a friend" emphasizes the qualities and actions of a good friend in an existing friendship, focusing on support, loyalty, and care.