SpeakUp

Grammar fix

old friend

longtime friend

someone you have known for a long time, often since childhood or many years ago.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I met up with an old friend from high school last weekend.relationships
  • If I feel stressed, I usually call an old friend to talk things over. It always helps me relax.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: old friend (of mine/yours/his, etc.)

WrongWe are old friends since ten years.

RightWe've been friends for ten years.

Don't say 'since X years'; use 'for ten years' (or just 'old friends').

Patternold friend (of mine/yours/his, etc.)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He is an acquaintance of very long standing.

Natural He's an old friend of mine.

'Acquaintance of long standing' is stilted; 'an old friend of mine' is warm and normal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • an old friend
    an old friendold friendsof minefrom school

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'elderly friend,' which refers to age.

Try it in Daily Speak →