valuable friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valuable friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a friend who has been especially helpful, supportive, or generous. For example, "My sister has been such a valuable friend throughout this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

(They're calling it "Most Valuable Friend," which I find a little unsettling, though whether that says more about MVF, Facebook "friends", or me is an exercise I leave to the reader).

TechCrunch

"All of these actions are representative of the valuable friend we have in Toyota".

The New York Times

Yet, he was always a caring & fascinating, kind & honest, gracious & a wise, intelligent & valuable friend.

Independent

Indeed, for a variety of reasons, Ms. Sandberg may well have become Mr. Zuckerberg's most valuable friend.

The New York Times

You never know — that acquaintance from down the hall might turn out to be a valuable friend in the future.

Columbia University

Let's say a belated Happy Birthday to a dear, valuable friend: Sept. 7 marked the 75th anniversary of the invention of television by American scientist Philo Farnsworth.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They have been our valuable friends in the past, and given us safety in numbers.

Independent

She was a steadfast friend to brutal tyrants such as Augusto Pinochet, Saddam Hussein and Indonesian dictator General Suharto ("One of our very best and most valuable friends").

The Guardian - Opinion

She retired from Saint Vincent's Department of Social Services and spent her time actively with her family and her pets, making many new and valuable friends along the way.

The New York Times

"We've got extremely limited resources but extremely valuable friends," Biddulph said.

Huffington Post

Women over 60 are meeting valuable friends online who they would otherwise never have gotten to meet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a friend, be specific about the qualities that make them a "valuable friend". Instead of just stating it, provide examples of their actions or characteristics that demonstrate their worth.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "valuable friend" in overly sentimental or clichéd contexts. Instead, focus on authentic and genuine expressions of appreciation for your friend's specific contributions to your life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valuable friend" functions as a noun phrase, where "valuable" is an adjective modifying the noun "friend". It is used to describe a friend who possesses qualities that are highly beneficial or appreciated. Ludwig examples show diverse contexts, reinforcing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "valuable friend" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a friend who offers significant support, loyalty, or other beneficial qualities. According to Ludwig, it is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. The phrase appears across a wide spectrum of contexts, from news and media to academia and even more informal sources like wikis, suggesting that while its register is generally neutral, its usage is quite versatile. While you can use "valuable friend", remember to be specific about which qualities make your friend stand out and appreciate them authentically. Ludwig examples demonstrate the phrase's effectiveness in conveying gratitude and recognizing the positive influence of a friend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Invaluable companion

Emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of the friend.

Cherished confidant

Highlights the trust and emotional connection in the friendship.

Esteemed ally

Focuses on the supportive and collaborative aspect of the friendship.

Priceless comrade

Stresses the deep bond and shared experiences between friends.

Supportive acquaintance

Emphasizes the support one receives from an acquaintance that is valuable.

Loyal colleague

Highlights the importance and loyalty one gets from their colleague.

Trusted advisor

This underscores the reliable counsel offered within the friendship.

Reliable peer

This stresses the dependability of a friend who is an equal.

Helpful buddy

This alternative emphasizes the supportive nature of the relationship.

Close acquaintance

A more general term, denoting a strong, beneficial connection but without the depth of a true friendship.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "valuable friend" in a sentence?

Use "valuable friend" to highlight a friend's positive impact on your life, providing specific examples of their support or assistance. For example, "During my job search, Sarah was a "valuable friend", offering advice and connections".

What are some alternatives to saying "valuable friend"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "invaluable companion", "cherished confidant", or "esteemed ally" to convey the importance of the friendship.

Is it appropriate to use "valuable friend" in formal writing?

Yes, "valuable friend" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when acknowledging someone's contributions or support. However, consider the specific context and choose the most fitting alternative if a more formal tone is required.

What qualities make someone a "valuable friend"?

Qualities that make someone a "valuable friend" include loyalty, supportiveness, trustworthiness, and the ability to offer helpful advice or assistance during challenging times.