our nearest and dearest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our nearest and dearest" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to one's closest friends and family members, often in a sentimental context. Example: "During the holidays, I love spending time with our nearest and dearest, sharing stories and creating memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

To me, Facebook and Twitter are too chilly for sharing tragedies with our nearest and dearest.

The New York Times

Dear women: mothers, grandmothers, daughters, wives, friends, our nearest and dearest ones, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on International Women's Day!

The Guardian

"That's why we started an annual Toronto Blue Jays baseball game outing where we gather our nearest and dearest, friends and customers.

The Guardian

Most of us will experience the afflictions of our nearest and dearest perhaps multiple times before we're faced with a deadly diagnosis of our own.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our approach, at each stage, has been to tell our "nearest and dearest" first, holding monthly briefings from the chief executives, circulating weekly email updates, and using regular staff surveys to gather feedback and help us understand areas of concern.

The Guardian

Much of the music, though, has the interrogative restlessness of thought in pursuit of certainty, and the ambivalent mix of anger and affection that pervades our relationships with our nearest and dearest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In addition, parallel arguments arguably 'show' that we are sometimes motivated to improve ourselves, to survive, to attend to our near-and-dear, to live with integrity, and so forth; that every case can be narrated in such terms; and thus that all these rival views are just as unified as is motivational hedonism.

SEP

We fell in love, suffered in love, lost our near and dear ones, made careers, or what is perceived to be a career.

The New York Times

After all, if Hume and Smith are on the right track in their explanatory hypotheses, such responses are sensitive to features like contributing to the general good, violating trust, or being used as a mere means, regardless of whether the actions in question redound to our self-interest or affect our near and dear.

SEP

Would you kill your nearest and dearest?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bottom line: Invite your nearest and dearest, regardless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our nearest and dearest" when you want to convey a sense of warmth and affection towards family and close friends, especially in sentimental or celebratory contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "our nearest and dearest" in highly formal or professional writing, as it can sound too sentimental. Opt for more neutral phrases like "our colleagues" or "our stakeholders" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our nearest and dearest" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a collective term to refer to one's closest family members and friends. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

3%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "our nearest and dearest" is a common and generally accepted way to refer to close family members and friends, conveying a sense of warmth and affection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Although versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal contexts and should be used sparingly in strictly formal or professional writing. The phrase frequently appears in news media, lifestyle articles, and opinion pieces. Related phrases include "our loved ones" and "close family and friends", each with slightly different connotations. While the phrase is widely understood, considering the context is crucial to ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our loved ones

More general term, encompassing all people whom one loves.

the people we hold closest

Focuses on the emotional connection and importance of these people in our lives.

our close family and friends

Explicitly specifies family and friends, less emphasis on emotional connection.

our most cherished people

Highlights the value and importance of these individuals.

our dearest companions

Focuses on companionship aspect of close relationships.

our intimate circle

Highlights the closeness and exclusivity of the group.

our inner circle

Emphasizes exclusivity and trust, often used in a business context too.

our beloved kindred

A more formal and slightly archaic alternative.

our family

Focuses specifically on blood relations.

our friends and relatives

A more descriptive and less emotionally charged alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "our nearest and dearest" to refer to close family and friends, as in "Christmas is a time for spending time with our nearest and dearest to exchange gifts, squabble, eat too much and watch Miracle on 34th Street again".

What is a less formal alternative to "our nearest and dearest"?

A less formal alternative to "our nearest and dearest" could be "our loved ones" or "close family and friends", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "our nearest and dearest"?

It is appropriate to use "our nearest and dearest" in contexts where you want to express warmth and affection for your closest family and friends, such as during holidays, celebrations, or when discussing personal relationships.

Is "our nearest and dearest" considered a cliché?

While the phrase "our nearest and dearest" is quite common, it isn't necessarily a cliché. However, consider "our most cherished people" if you want a slightly fresher alternative.