some acquaintances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some acquaintances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a few people you know casually or have met but are not close friends with. Example: "I ran into some acquaintances at the coffee shop and we chatted for a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some acquaintances were solipsistic: "I'm sorry about your news.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Suffice to say that some acquaintances are best not renewed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Some acquaintances of mine told me when he was in Oakland.

The New York Times - Sports

Even some acquaintances from her university, she said, treat her "with caution".

The New York Times

Hailed some acquaintances, and asked them to join him; and then paid the check all around.

The New Yorker

Some acquaintances around Washington were dumbfounded by their decision to move to Iowa.

The New York Times

Some acquaintances suggested he was really striving for attention and legitimacy.

The New York Times - Arts

Some acquaintances say Mr. Barton's youth and relative lack of experience are potential liabilities.

The New York Times

The sister who vacated it has found some acquaintances interested in a six-month let.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Some acquaintances felt I was dumbing down," Alexie said in a phone interview.

The New York Times - Books

Some acquaintances said Mr. Nelford's life appeared to have become troubled in recent months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some acquaintances" when you want to refer to people you know casually but are not close friends with. It's a neutral term suitable for various contexts.

Common error

While "some acquaintances" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "associates", "contacts", or "individuals" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some acquaintances" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a group of people known casually to the speaker. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

9%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science Magazine

1%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "some acquaintances" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to people known casually. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and appropriate in various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in informal settings. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when describing individuals you are not particularly close to, and consider using synonyms in more formal contexts to enhance your writing style. As a neutral phrase, "some acquaintances" effectively bridges the gap between strangers and close friends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few people I know

A more general and less formal way of referring to people known to the speaker.

several casual contacts

Emphasizes the casual nature of the relationships and focuses on professional or business connections.

a handful of associates

Suggests a slightly more formal or professional relationship than "acquaintances".

certain individuals I've met

A more detached and less personal way of referring to people encountered.

some peripheral figures

Highlights that these individuals are not central to one's life or activities.

a number of casual friends

Blurs the line between acquaintances and friends, suggesting a slightly closer relationship.

various people I am familiar with

A more verbose and formal way of indicating a level of recognition without closeness.

a few individuals I've encountered

Emphasizes the act of meeting rather than the ongoing relationship.

some distant connections

Highlights the lack of a strong bond or frequent interaction.

a limited circle of contacts

Focuses on the restricted number and the professional or social network.

FAQs

How can I use "some acquaintances" in a sentence?

You can use "some acquaintances" to refer to people you know casually. For example, "I ran into "some acquaintances" at the grocery store".

What's a more formal alternative to "some acquaintances"?

In more formal contexts, you could use "certain individuals" or "professional contacts" depending on the situation.

Is it better to say "some acquaintances" or "a few friends"?

The choice depends on your relationship with the people you're describing. "Some acquaintances" implies a more casual, less personal connection than "a few friends".

What is the difference between "some acquaintances" and "some colleagues"?

"Some acquaintances" refers to people you know casually, while "some colleagues" specifically refers to people you work with.