small friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to friends who are younger, smaller in stature, or perhaps in a more metaphorical sense, such as close companions who are not significant in number or influence. Example: "During the picnic, I enjoyed playing games with my small friends, who brought so much joy and laughter to the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

AESOP'S mouse, who chewed away the ropes binding a lion to set him free, proved that powerful beasts sometimes benefit from having small friends.

The New York Times

It's where we invited small friends back from the playground for pizza nights, and where the boys ate hot cereal in the morning while an adult packed Dexter's lunchbox.

The New York Times - Magazine

And dating can be awkward: their numbers are so small, friends will often share at least some romantic history with the same man or woman, and matchmakers always pair them with people with whom they have little in common beyond skin color.

The New York Times

"Tell him the dog's name was Rigo," cried Uncle Henry, faintly and through static from the Other Side, when he thought his bona fides were doubted.At four, Hans found himself pretending to read ghost stories in nursery class to a circle of terrified small friends.

The Economist

But beyond that and a small friends and family round, VetPronto has been bootstrapped.

TechCrunch

The company raised a small friends and family round prior to launching.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But modern children have other streams of information than their parents, and fairly soon some small friend or baby sitter or teacher taught him about cookies.

The New York Times

Maybe you've raised a small friends-and-family round; maybe you're still bootstrappin' on your own.

TechCrunch

Next to critical illness, one of the most worrying moments in a pet owner's life is when their small friend decides to go walkabout - alone.

BBC

And the front centerpiece is Ms. Jolie with a screaming headline, "She's Pregnant Again!" with a much smaller "Friends Say" qualifier next to it.

Huffington Post

Another participant said she was jealous of her "smaller" friends.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small friends", consider whether the size, age, or influence of the friends is the key aspect you want to emphasize. Choose the phrase that best reflects your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "small friends" when referring to business partners or professional associates. This phrase is typically reserved for describing close, personal relationships. Using alternatives like "limited partnerships" or "select colleagues" may fit better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small friends" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically identifies a group of friends characterized by their age, size, or perhaps the intimacy of the group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Huffington Post

16%

TechCrunch

9%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small friends" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression primarily used to describe friends who are either young, physically small, or part of a close-knit group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable and commonly used in informal and news contexts. While "small friends" is appropriate for everyday conversations and narratives, alternatives like "young friends" or "close-knit friends" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. When writing, consider the connotations of "small" and whether it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Despite its frequency, use discretion in formal or business settings to ensure clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

young friends

Focuses specifically on the age aspect of the friends.

little friends

Emphasizes the youth and smallness of the friends.

close-knit friends

Highlights the intimacy and closeness within the friend group.

intimate acquaintances

Stresses the personal and familiar nature of the relationships.

a tight-knit group of friends

Refers to the closeness and strong bonds of a friends group.

small circle of acquaintances

Focuses on the limited number and familiar connection of the friends.

inner circle friends

Highlights the exclusivity and closeness of the friendship group.

personal friends

Emphasizes the personal and non-professional connection between the friends.

limited number of companions

Highlights the restricted quantity of the friends involved.

select group of confidants

Implies a chosen and trusted group of friends.

FAQs

How can I use "small friends" in a sentence?

"Small friends" can refer to younger companions, friends who are physically smaller, or a close-knit group. Example: "The heart that Catherine had for her "small friends" of all species pointed to a clear choice."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "small friends"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "young friends", "little friends", "close-knit friends", or "intimate acquaintances".

Is it appropriate to use "small friends" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "small friends" is generally more suitable for informal or personal contexts. In a formal or business setting, consider using alternative phrases that convey a more professional tone.

What does "small friends" typically refer to?

"Small friends" usually refers to younger friends, friends who are physically small, or a limited and close-knit group of friends, depending on the situation.