SpeakUp

Grammar fix

close friend

very good friend

Someone you know very well and trust a lot; a person you share personal things with and spend a lot of time with.

collocationB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Sarah is my close friend—we've known each other since primary school.relationships
  • I believe having a close friend is important because you can share your feelings and support each other in difficult times.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: close friend (noun phrase); usually used as 'a close friend' or 'my close friend'

WrongHe's my close friend since childhood.

RightHe's a close friend of mine from childhood. / We've been close friends since childhood.

Use 'a close friend of mine', not 'my close friend', in this frame.

Patternclose friend (noun phrase); usually used as 'a close friend' or 'my close friend'

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He is an individual with whom I share a profound bond of intimacy.

Natural He's a close friend of mine.

'An individual with whom I share a profound bond' is painfully formal; 'a close friend of mine' is normal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a close friend
    of mineaveryone of my

Don't confuse it

A 'close friend' is stronger than just a 'friend' or 'acquaintance'.

Try it in Daily Speak →