my loved ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my loved ones" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people you care about deeply, such as family and close friends. Example: "During the holidays, I always cherish the time spent with my loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strangely, though, I worry much more about my loved ones on bikes in London than I do myself.

BBC

I had effectively given up on living life beyond work, and my loved ones were noticing.

Vice

"My loved ones say that's enough".

The New York Times - Books

My loved ones need not worry".

The New Yorker

I thought hard about my loved ones.

The Guardian

My loved ones thought they'd been snubbed.

The Guardian

As for my loved ones, don't bother sending flowers.

The New Yorker

It's also that these experiences greatly hurt my loved ones.

The New York Times

I'm just willing to defend myself and my loved ones.

The New York Times

Directing has meant moving away from my loved ones.

The Guardian

The panic lasted for days, and alienated my loved ones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "my loved ones", consider the specific context and tailor your language to convey the appropriate level of emotion. For example, in a formal setting, you might use it to express concern, while in an informal setting, it could convey affection or gratitude.

Common error

While "my loved ones" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or business writing where more precise terms like "family members", "dependents", or "relatives" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my loved ones" functions as a possessive determiner (my) followed by an adjective (loved) modifying a plural noun (ones). As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to identify people to whom the speaker feels affection and responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “my loved ones” is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer to individuals for whom one feels deep affection, care, and responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widely accepted in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and general contexts, the phrase serves to express concerns, gratitude, or personal experiences related to family and close friends. While suitable for various situations, it's advisable to use more specific terms like "family members" or "dependents" in highly formal settings to maintain precision. Overall, “my loved ones” remains a versatile and emotionally resonant way to describe those who hold a special place in one's life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my cherished ones

Focuses on the deep affection and value placed on these individuals.

my nearest and dearest

Emphasizes the closeness and affection felt for the individuals.

my beloved family

Highlights strong feelings of love and affection for family members.

those I hold dear

Highlights the emotional value and importance of the individuals.

my precious people

Emphasizes the high value and care associated with these individuals.

my family and friends

Specifies the relationship more clearly, focusing on family members and friends.

my dear family

Focuses specifically on family members who are held in high regard.

my close relations

Highlights the familial connection and intimacy of the relationship.

my inner circle

Similar to "my circle of trust" focusing on closeness and reliance.

my circle of trust

Focuses on a group of trusted and close individuals, though not exclusively family.

FAQs

How can I use "my loved ones" in a sentence?

You can use "my loved ones" to refer to people you care about deeply. For example, "I am grateful for the support of "my loved ones" during this difficult time."

What are some alternatives to saying "my loved ones"?

Alternatives include "my family and friends", "my nearest and dearest", or "those I hold dear", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "my loved ones" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, it's best to consider the specific tone of your writing. In very formal contexts, more specific terms like "family members" or "relatives" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "my loved ones" and "my family"?

"My family" refers specifically to relatives, while "my loved ones" is broader and can include close friends or anyone you deeply care about, regardless of familial connection.