old friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"old friend" is a perfectly acceptable and correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone you have been friends with for a long time, such as "I ran into an old friend at the grocery store yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ah, hello old friend.

The New York Times

He's an old friend.

BBC

An old friend".

The New Yorker

Bill's an old friend".

The New York Times

So long old friend.

The New York Times

Hello, old friend.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rest in peace old friend.

The New York Times

His old friend remembered him.

The New Yorker

It was an old friend.

The New York Times - Sports

His old friend thinks otherwise.

The New York Times

Another old friend, waste.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider pairing it with adjectives that specify the type of relationship, such as "trusted old friend" or "childhood old friend".

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of "old friend" in highly formal or business contexts where a more professional term like "longtime colleague" or "long-standing associate" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a term of address or reference to someone with whom the speaker shares a long-standing relationship. Ludwig's examples show its use in both direct address ("Hello, old friend") and descriptive contexts ( "He's an old friend").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old friend" is a common and generally acceptable way to refer to someone with whom you share a long-standing relationship. As Ludwig highlights, it's used in a variety of contexts, from casual greetings to more formal writing, though it’s important to consider the specific setting and audience. While "old friend" conveys a sense of familiarity and connection, alternatives like "longtime colleague" or "long-standing associate" may be more suitable in professional environments. In essence, use "old friend" when you want to express warmth and acknowledge a shared history, but always be mindful of the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friend of many years

This phrase directly states that the friendship has lasted for numerous years, highlighting its duration.

longtime companion

This alternative emphasizes the duration of the relationship, highlighting the extended period of companionship.

buddy from the old days

This option is more informal and highlights shared experiences from a past period.

pal since childhood

This alternative specifies that the friendship originated in childhood, emphasizing a deep and enduring bond.

long-standing acquaintance

This phrase focuses on the prolonged period of knowing someone, suitable for relationships that may not be deeply intimate but have lasted a long time.

companion from yesteryear

This option adds a touch of nostalgia, evoking memories of shared experiences in the past.

close associate from way back

This option suggests a professional or personal connection from the past that was relatively intimate or important.

school chum

This specifies a friend from one's school days, highlighting a particular period of shared experiences.

old comrade

This suggests a shared experience, often in a military or political context, creating a strong bond.

long-term ally

This option implies a supportive relationship over a significant period, often used in professional or political contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "old friend" to refer to someone you've known for a long time, such as, "It was great to see my "old friend" John at the reunion." or "He's an "old friend" of the family."

What are some alternatives to "old friend"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "longtime companion", "long-standing acquaintance", or "buddy from the old days".

Is it always appropriate to use "old friend"?

While "old friend" is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the formality of the situation. In highly formal settings, more professional terms like "longtime colleague" may be preferable.

What's the difference between "old friend" and "acquaintance"?

"Old friend" implies a closer, more personal relationship built over time, whereas "acquaintance" suggests a more casual, less intimate connection.