my nearest and dearest

USAGE SUMMARY

"my nearest and dearest" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to one's closest family members and friends, or those who are most important and dear to them. Example: "I am so grateful for the support and love of my nearest and dearest during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

What some of my nearest and dearest, I might as well admit, call me.

The New York Times

I write articles on subjects I'd previously kept secret from my nearest and dearest.

The Guardian

I've hidden the worst of it even from my nearest and dearest.

The Guardian - Opinion

My problem with recognizing faces extends not only to my nearest and dearest but also to myself.

The New Yorker

Although I've been told I've still got a very good pair of pins by my nearest and dearest.

The Guardian

I can no more comprehend how my nearest and dearest don't like Coupland's books than I can get my head around some of my friends being Tories.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Ethical hedonism can be universalist, me-and-my-near-and-dear egocentric, or egoistically focused just on one's own pleasure.

SEP

None of my near and dear had enough invested to get killed by the Cisco meltdown.

Forbes

Hey, you think, if I was that interpersonally savvy, I'd never have to go on vacation at all! I'd never need to flee from my near and dear!

Los Angeles Times

Behold before thee, my child, thy nearest and dearest.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I like to keep things confined to my nearest and dearest chill people who I know won't leech me of all my energy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my nearest and dearest" to express deep affection and closeness to family and friends in personal writing or heartfelt speeches. This phrase adds a touch of warmth and sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "my nearest and dearest" in formal business communications or academic papers. It's generally too informal and sentimental for professional settings. Opt for more neutral language like "colleagues" or "family members" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my nearest and dearest" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or a subject complement. It identifies a specific group of people most valued by the speaker. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my nearest and dearest" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to one's closest family and friends, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it expresses affection and gratitude, and carries a neutral to informal tone. While appropriate for personal contexts, it's advisable to use more formal language in professional settings. Remember to avoid overusing it and ensure it fits the tone of your writing. Consider alternatives like "my close family and friends" or "my loved ones" for variety or in formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my family and closest friends

Explicitly states both family and friends, ensuring clarity.

my close family and friends

Replaces the superlative adjective with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on the relationship.

my loved ones

Uses a broader term to encompass all people the speaker loves and cares about.

those closest to me

A more general way of referring to the people the speaker feels closest to.

the people I cherish most

Highlights the value and importance the speaker places on these relationships.

my dearest companions

Emphasizes the companionship aspect of the relationship with those closest to the speaker.

my dearest relations

A slightly more formal way of referring to one's closest family members.

my inner circle

Highlights the exclusivity and intimacy of the group of people closest to the speaker.

my favorite people

Emphasizes fondness and personal preference.

my closest confidants

Focuses on the trust and shared secrets within the closest relationships.

FAQs

How can I use "my nearest and dearest" in a sentence?

"My nearest and dearest" is used to refer to the people who are closest to you. For example, "I'm grateful for the support of my nearest and dearest during this challenging time."

What's a more formal alternative to "my nearest and dearest"?

In formal contexts, consider using "my family and close friends" or "my loved ones" instead of "my nearest and dearest", which can sound too sentimental.

Is it correct to say "my nearest and dearests"?

No, the correct plural form is "my nearest and dearest". The phrase already refers to a group of people, so adding another 's' is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "my nearest and dearest" and "my close friends"?

"My nearest and dearest" typically includes both family and very close friends, suggesting a deeper bond than simply "my close friends", which may not include family members.