mates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mates" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It is typically used to refer to friends or companions, often in British or Australian English. Example: "I met up with my mates at the pub for a few drinks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

They are doing it for their mates in the regiment because it matters to them.

The Guardian

They often end up letting out a spare room to a friend and the ultra-low interest rates of the last five years can mean the rent their mates is paying them is more than their mortgage.

The Guardian - Opinion

We played nine and 10 together and are good mates but next week we'll need to keep every player on the pitch.

The Guardian - Sport

The worst are the drunk companions, who are an unnecessary further distraction for doctors and nurses dealing with their mates.

The Guardian

For London, Bon Iver's mates Poliça are on hand, but far more interesting fare is offered outside of rock altogether, in the slick dance hands of Kindness and Mount Kimbie, and the ever-so-hip pop of Solange.

The Guardian - Music

From the stage the actors could see the misery etched on their faces, condemned to sit in a sweltering theatre and watch a play about heterosexual and homosexual love in New York when all their mates were down the pub screaming advice at Paul Gascoigne.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

Lloris was not part of that squad but the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper recognises the mood change in the country and said that his team-mates are determined to build on their momentum.

The Guardian - Sport

"I suppose now when I get opportunities, like Floody going with England, I've got to step up take every opportunity to show the coaches what I can do"."They," the friends and former Scarlet and Osprey team-mates with whom Williams still keep in touch "are just waiting to see what happens.

The Guardian - Sport

All his new team-mates thought their coach was joking – "You would be hard-pressed to think anything other than that the hair dye had finally seeped into Kevin Squire's brain," one told the North Devon Journal – but, sure enough, Collins bought himself a new pair of boots and featured at No8 against a rather startled Newton Abbot.

The Guardian - Sport

"I wish to thank all staff at the club, the fans and my team-mates for their warm welcome and support during my three months.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider using the more universally understood term "friends" instead of "mates" to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "mates" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more appropriate terms like "colleagues" or "associates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mates" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple friends or companions. Ludwig examples show it being used in various contexts to denote camaraderie and social connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mates" is a plural noun primarily used in British and Australian English to refer to friends or companions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in informal contexts. While it effectively conveys friendship and camaraderie, it's crucial to consider your audience and the level of formality required. For international audiences or formal writing, using the more universally understood term "friends" might be more appropriate. Overusing "mates" in formal contexts can detract from the writing's professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friends

This is the most direct and commonly understood synonym for "mates", suitable for most contexts.

buddies

A more informal and often American English alternative to "mates".

pals

A slightly old-fashioned and informal term for friends.

companions

Implies a closer or more formal relationship than "mates", often suggesting shared activities or experiences.

colleagues

Refers specifically to people you work with, rather than general friends.

associates

A more formal term than "mates", referring to people you are connected to, often in a professional context.

allies

Suggests a shared purpose or goal, implying a stronger bond than casual friendship.

fellows

A more formal and sometimes academic term for colleagues or companions.

comrades

Implies a shared struggle or cause, often used in a political or military context.

acquaintances

Refers to people you know but are not necessarily close to.

FAQs

What does "mates" mean?

"Mates" is a term primarily used in British and Australian English to refer to friends or companions. It's similar to "friends" or "buddies" in American English.

What can I say instead of "mates"?

You can use alternatives like "friends", "companions", "buddies", or "pals" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "mates" in formal writing?

No, "mates" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use terms like "colleagues" or "associates".

Which is correct, "mates" or "friends"?

Both "mates" and "friends" are correct, but their usage depends on the context and audience. "Mates" is more common in British and Australian English, while "friends" is more universally understood.