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was a friend for him vs was a friend to him

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Was a friend to him' is the more common and idiomatic phrase to indicate a friendly relationship. 'Was a friend for him' can be used in a more specific context to emphasize the benefit or purpose of the friendship.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 725 views

This phrase is correct but less common than 'was a friend to him'. It can be used to emphasize the benefit or purpose of the friendship.

"was a friend for him"

This phrase is used to highlight the specific benefit or purpose of the friendship in a sentence. It is less common than 'was a friend to him'.

Examples:

  • He was a friend for him in times of need.
  • She was a friend for him when he needed support.
  • The dog was a friend for him during his lonely days.
  • The book was a friend for him when he needed guidance.
  • The music was a friend for him in times of sorrow.
  • A friend was a friend for life. That's a cliché I suppose, but in Brooke's case it was undeniable.
  • Natsumi-san was a friend of my childhood friend.
  • I thought that she was a friend.
  • So on reflex, or thinking it was a friend joking, he did.
  • I was a friend of your sister's.
  • Said she was a friend of mine.
  • Sharon was a friend of yours, too.
  • But for Timothy Treadwell, this bear was a friend, a savior.
  • Before that, she was a friend of Frank Miller's.
  • This one was a friend of Vince Stone's.
  • I realised he was a friend of Carlotta, and I was their enemy.
  • So this Irina was a friend of my brother.
  • We thought he was a friend to our people.
  • The woman before was a friend.
  • And Inspector Daniel Clay was a friend.
  • Some old man, said he was a friend of Samuel Sullivan.
  • But this is different, Ernie was a friend.
  • I thought it was a friend of my brother's.
  • He was a friend and an honorable man.
  • I was a friend of your brother's.

Alternatives:

  • was a friend to him
  • was his friend
  • was there for him as a friend
  • was supportive of him as a friend
  • was a good friend to him

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic way to express a friendly relationship. It is widely used in English.

"was a friend to him"

'Was a friend to him' is the more common and idiomatic way to express a friendly relationship. It is widely used in English to indicate a positive and supportive friendship.

Examples:

  • She was a friend to him when he needed advice.
  • He was a friend to him in times of trouble.
  • The cat was a friend to him during his illness.
  • The teacher was a friend to him throughout his studies.
  • The neighbor was a friend to him when he moved to a new city.
  • He approached someone Yuri thought was a friend and got him to secretly buy up enough shares so that Walter could force the takeover.
  • I was about as good a friend to him as Clara's friends, who keep sending postcards from the trip that she'll never get to take.
  • We thought he was a friend to our people.
  • Andy was a friend to all of us.
  • He was a friend to me.
  • A man named Ivan was a friend to me as well.
  • Your father was a friend to us, but it's time for you both to leave.
  • He was a friend to every U.S. President since Harry Truman.
  • Lastly, Father Curtis was a friend to the sick and the aged, whom he often visited, despite his many duties.
  • The Great Pilgrim was a friend to Pericles, and highly approved of this unforgettable and brilliant era of knowledge and beauty.
  • He was a friend to all people, especially corporations, who he legally considered to be people.
  • She was a friend to all, a comforter to the sick.
  • You was the only one that was a friend to me.
  • I was a friend to a kid whose father was a plumber.
  • Natsumi-san was a friend of my childhood friend.
  • I thought that she was a friend.
  • So on reflex, or thinking it was a friend joking, he did.
  • I was a friend of your sister's.
  • Said she was a friend of mine.
  • Sharon was a friend of yours, too.

Alternatives:

  • was a friend for him
  • was his friend
  • was there for him as a friend
  • was supportive of him as a friend
  • was a good friend to him

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