old cronies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old cronies" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to long-time friends or companions, often with a sense of nostalgia or familiarity. Example: "The old cronies gathered at the bar to reminisce about their youth." Alternative expressions include "long-time friends" and "old pals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Are his old cronies turning against him?

The Economist

Lord Rennard's old cronies: That's absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian

Stewart, also, enjoys gabbing with his old cronies in the team.

The New York Times

None of my old cronies are there and I feel bereft and old.

The Guardian - Travel

But never underestimate the relative pull of reconnecting with old cronies versus making love to new women.

The New York Times

The kid's school needs him to chaperone a field trip, but his old cronies need him for a bank heist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mr Legg, an old crony and fellow Maastricht rebel, fitted the bill.

The Economist

Mentions Verlaine, the poet who was an old crony of his, and anecdotes about his.

The New Yorker

(In fact, Marty Nadler, Mr. Marshall's longtime punch-up man, is an old crony from the Bronx).

The New York Times

"Omar Suleiman appears to unite all of Egypt!" he said, explaining that hatred for Mubarak's old crony crossed all party lines.

The New Yorker

He was in charge of the coffee urn, and picked up pastries from a bakery on California Avenue whose owner was an old crony of his father's.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "old cronies", consider the connotation. It can imply a sense of loyalty and shared history, but also potential stagnation or resistance to change. Be mindful of the context and the message you want to convey.

Common error

While "old cronies" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be too informal or even pejorative for professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "long-time associates" or "established colleagues" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old cronies" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing groups of long-term associates, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation of favoritism or resistance to change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old cronies" is a noun phrase frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes long-term friends or associates, often carrying a connotation of familiarity, shared history, and potentially, a hint of stagnation or favoritism. While grammatically correct and prevalent in News & Media, its use in formal contexts should be approached with caution, as noted by Ludwig, with alternatives like "long-time associates" being more suitable. Overall, understanding the context is key to effectively wielding this phrase. Ludwig also highlights its use in academia and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

old pals

A more informal and friendly alternative.

longtime companions

Emphasizes the duration of the relationship and shared experiences.

long-term buddies

An informal term for close, male friends of long duration.

long-standing associates

Focuses on a professional or formal association over a long period.

childhood friends

Specifically refers to friends from one's childhood.

seasoned comrades

Suggests shared experiences, often in challenging situations.

past confidants

Highlights the sharing of secrets and trust in the past.

former colleagues

Highlights a past professional relationship.

established acquaintances

Focuses on the prolonged duration of the connection but less about intimacy.

early acquaintances

Refer to a group of friends one had in the past

FAQs

How can I use "old cronies" in a sentence?

You might say, "The mayor surrounded himself with his "old cronies", leading to accusations of favoritism", or "The retired general enjoyed reminiscing with his "old cronies" at the annual reunion".

What does "old cronies" imply?

The phrase "old cronies" often suggests a close-knit group of long-time friends or associates, potentially implying favoritism, resistance to new ideas, or a sense of nostalgia. The exact implication depends on the context.

Which is a more formal alternative to "old cronies"?

Alternatives like "long-time associates", "established colleagues", or "longstanding companions" are more appropriate for formal contexts.

Is "old cronies" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it can carry a negative connotation of favoritism or stagnation, it can also simply refer to a group of long-time friends with shared history and loyalty. The context is crucial in determining the intended meaning.