make friends

USAGE SUMMARY

"make friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal way of saying to form a connection with someone and become their friend. For example: "Now that she has started a new school, she's trying to make friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You make friends.

The New York Times

You'll make friends.

Independent

Would they make friends?

Harvard University

You should make friends.

The New York Times - Books

Only equals make friends.

Harvard Business Review

"I'll make friends.

The Washington Post

Make friends with gatekeepers.

Forbes

Will they make friends?

HuffPost

Will she make friends?

HuffPost

We make friends.

HuffPost

Will he make friends?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make friends", consider the context. In formal settings, "develop professional relationships" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid trying too hard to "make friends" by being inauthentic or pushy. Genuine connections are built on shared interests and mutual respect, not forced interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make friends" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of forming friendships or establishing friendly relationships with others. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it describes creating connections. The examples also showcase diverse applications, from school settings to professional environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make friends" is a common and generally informal way to describe the act of forming friendships. Grammatically correct and widely used, as verified by Ludwig AI, its suitability varies depending on context. While perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation and informal writing, more formal alternatives like "cultivate relationships" or "establish connections" might be preferred in professional or academic settings. The phrase appears frequently in diverse sources like news media and wikis, highlighting its broad applicability. Remember to focus on genuine interactions rather than forced attempts when trying to "make friends".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form friendships

Replaces "make" with "form", offering a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the creation of lasting bonds.

befriend

A more direct verb meaning to become a friend with someone, simpler in structure.

build relationships

Focuses on the gradual development of connections, implying effort and time invested in cultivating bonds.

strike up a friendship

Suggests initiating a friendship, often unexpectedly or quickly.

cultivate connections

Emphasizes nurturing existing relationships and expanding one's network, suitable for professional contexts.

establish rapport

Highlights creating a harmonious understanding and trust, often used in professional or social settings.

develop acquaintances

Focuses on forming casual relationships that may or may not evolve into deeper friendships.

connect with people

A broader term encompassing various levels of interaction, from casual to intimate.

find common ground

Highlights discovering shared interests and values as a basis for forming relationships.

foster camaraderie

Emphasizes building a sense of unity and fellowship within a group.

FAQs

How do you use "make friends" in a sentence?

You can use "make friends" in various contexts. For example, "It's easier to "make friends" when you share common interests" or "She moved to a new city and is trying to "make friends" at work".

What's a more formal way to say "make friends"?

In more formal settings, you could use phrases like "cultivate relationships" or "develop connections" instead of "make friends".

Is it always appropriate to use "make friends"?

While "make friends" is widely understood, it may not be suitable for all contexts. For professional or academic settings, consider alternatives that convey a more serious or formal tone.

What are some common situations where people want to "make friends"?

People often want to "make friends" when starting a new job, moving to a new city, joining a club or group, or attending social events. It's a natural desire for connection and belonging.