close friend

Meaning

A 'close friend' is someone you know very well, trust deeply, and share a strong emotional bond with. It refers to a best friend or someone in your inner social circle, rather than just an acquaintance.

Examples

• Sarah is a close friend of mine, and we talk almost every day.

  Sarah is a close friend of mine, and we talk almost every day.

• We became close friends during our first year at university.

  We became close friends during our first year at university.

• Only a few close friends were invited to the small dinner party.

  Only a few close friends were invited to the small dinner party.

• It's hard to make close friends when you move to a new city.

  It's hard to make close friends when you move to a new city.

• He is more than just a coworker; he is a very close friend.

  He is more than just a coworker; he is a very close friend.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is my near friend.

  ✓ He is my close friend.

  While 'near' means physically close, English speakers use 'close' to describe intimate emotional relationships.

• ✗ We are very closed friends.

  ✓ We are very close friends.

  'Closed' is the past participle of the verb 'close' (e.g., a closed door). Use the adjective 'close' to describe relationships.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't have many acquaintances, but I have a few ___ who know everything about me.

  💡 People you trust deeply.

  Show answer

  close friends

• She has been a ___ of mine since childhood.

  💡 A very dear and trusted companion.

  Show answer

  close friend