my dear old

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my dear old" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a term of endearment or affection, often when referring to someone who is familiar or cherished, usually in a nostalgic or affectionate context. Example: "My dear old friend, it's been too long since we last met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But Vaughan stuck to the idea: "putting pressure on Australia", in fact, became to Vaughan as "my dear old thing" is to Blowers, something that seemed to tumble from his mouth unbidden.

The Guardian - Sport

My dear old mother's response?

The New York Times

"My dear old confrere, Nugey," he writes in 1918.

The Guardian - Books

What's the party of my dear old mom come to?

The New York Times

I said, 'Well, my dear old friend [Ja, mein Lieber guter Storfer], we certainly got it!

The New Yorker

Please, please don't talk about old age so much, my dear old friend!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Writing of the loss on Facebook, his sister, Ayse Nur Güllüce Cakar, described him as "my dear older brother whom I used to refer to as father..

The Guardian

My dearest old friends, together since the dark days when gay sex was illegal, were civilly partnered a day after the law permitted it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am the woman who stays home and bakes Tilapia for my dearest, oldest friend.

Huffington Post

On reprising his role as Parker, chauffeur and International Rescue agent, Graham said: "I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series of Thunderbirds Are Go! and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast.

The Guardian

When the time came to leave, a week or so later, all party charges had been referred to my bill - and dear old André was back in London.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my dear old" to convey warmth and affection, typically when referring to someone you know well and cherish. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the phrase's sentimental tone.

Common error

Avoid using "my dear old" too frequently in your writing, as it can come across as overly sentimental or insincere. Vary your language to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my dear old" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (e.g., friend, mum, dad). It typically expresses affection, familiarity, or endearment towards the person being described. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my dear old" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey affection or familiarity, predominantly found in News & Media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase to modify a noun, typically expressing warmth and nostalgia. Although not exceedingly common, with only 6 exact examples found, it's a valid and recognizable way to reference someone cherished. Consider using alternatives if overusing the phrase, and tailor it to the specific context for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my dearest old

Adds emphasis by using "dearest" rather than "dear".

my cherished old

Replaces 'dear' with 'cherished', emphasizing a sense of value and affection.

my beloved old

Substitutes 'dear' with 'beloved', intensifying the feeling of love and endearment.

my treasured old

Replaces 'dear' with 'treasured', highlighting the preciousness of the person or thing being referred to.

my fond old

Replaces 'dear' with 'fond', indicating a gentle and affectionate feeling.

my respected old

Changes 'dear' to 'respected', shifting the focus to admiration and esteem.

my venerable old

Uses 'venerable' instead of 'dear', adding a sense of age and wisdom.

my good old

Replaces 'dear' with 'good', offering a simpler, more casual expression of fondness.

my faithful old

Substitutes 'dear' with 'faithful', emphasizing loyalty and dependability.

my longtime old

Changes 'dear' to 'longtime', focusing on the duration of the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "my dear old" in a sentence?

You can use "my dear old" to express affection or familiarity, such as "My dear old friend, it's so good to see you again" or "My dear old mum always made the best cookies".

What are some alternatives to "my dear old"?

Alternatives include "my cherished old", "my beloved old", or "my good old", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "my dear old friend" a cliché?

While "my dear old friend" is a common expression, it's not inherently a cliché if used sincerely and appropriately. Overuse, however, can make it sound less genuine.

What's the difference between "my dear old friend" and "my close friend"?

"My dear old friend" implies a long-standing, affectionate relationship, while "my close friend" simply indicates a strong bond. The former emphasizes history and fondness, the latter, intimacy.