reliable friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reliable friend" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is dependable and trustworthy. For example, "My brother has always been a reliable friend whom I can count on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David was an aspiring screenwriter and my most reliable friend.

The New Yorker

Fidel Castro was a sincere and reliable friend of Russia.

The Guardian

The Republican positioned himself as the more reliable friend of Israel.

The New York Times

This is how he wanted to see himself – humble and practical, a reliable friend.

The Guardian - Arts

Corbyn, as I wrote earlier this week, is the Tories' most reliable friend.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had the scrambled eggs with sturgeon, an old and reliable friend.

The New York Times - Arts

Ahead of his visit he gushed to Chinese media, saying their country was "Russia's reliable friend".

The Economist

But the companion of my childhood – my avatar, my confidant, my hero, my utterly reliable friend – has.

The Guardian - Arts

The money grubbing has been bipartisan, but the Republican-controlled State Senate has been the landlords' most reliable friend.

The New York Times

Strongly recommended by a reliable friend, and bound to take me back to my buried southern American roots.

The Guardian - Books

I couldn't imagine what had happened to my always reliable friend and finally decided to make the call myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships, use "reliable friend" to emphasize the consistent support and stability that a person provides.

Common error

Avoid using "reliable friend" in overly sentimental or clichéd contexts. Opt for synonyms or more specific descriptions to maintain originality and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reliable friend" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'reliable' modifies the noun 'friend'. It serves to describe a quality or characteristic of the friend. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Books

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reliable friend" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone who is dependable and trustworthy. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, books, and wiki sources. Related phrases such as "dependable companion" and "trustworthy confidant" offer similar meanings with slight variations. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid clichés and ensure the context is appropriate to emphasize the genuine quality of the friendship. The phrase's communicative purpose is to highlight the positive aspects of a friendship, focusing on dependability and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supportive friend

Highlights the emotional and practical assistance provided.

solid friend

Emphasizes the stability and reliability of the friendship.

dependable companion

Replaces "friend" with "companion", emphasizing companionship and support.

constant companion

Stresses the continuous presence and support offered by the friend.

trustworthy confidant

Highlights the aspect of keeping secrets and providing counsel.

loyal ally

Suggests a bond based on mutual support and shared goals.

steadfast supporter

Focuses on unwavering encouragement and backing.

true comrade

Emphasizes a deep bond of friendship and shared experiences.

faithful acquaintance

Conveys a sense of loyalty and prolonged association.

devoted pal

Emphasizes affection and dedication in the friendship.

FAQs

How to use "reliable friend" in a sentence?

You can use "reliable friend" to describe someone you can always count on, for example: "My brother has always been a "reliable friend", always there when I need him."

What can I say instead of "reliable friend"?

You can use alternatives like "dependable companion", "trustworthy confidant", or "loyal ally" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "reliable friend" or "a reliable friend"?

"Reliable friend" is often used when the context makes it clear who you're talking about or in a general sense. "A reliable friend" is used when introducing the concept or specifying one person among many.

What's the difference between "reliable friend" and "close friend"?

While "close friend" emphasizes the emotional connection and intimacy, "reliable friend" focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of that person.