Simplifying ‘Best Friends’ in English: When and How to Use ‘The’ and ‘With Each Other’

Do you often find yourself in a dilemma when using the phrase ‘best friends’ in English?

When should you use the definite article ‘the’, and is it necessary to include ‘with each other’?

Let's explore these questions and understand how to use these phrases effectively. This guide will be useful for both beginner and advanced English learners, as well as anyone looking to refine their communication skills.

What is the Correct Phrase?

In modern English usage, the phrase ‘best friends’ is commonly used in its bare form without the definite article ‘the’. For example:

We are best friends.

This is concise and natural.

Adding Emphasis with 'The' and 'With Each Other'

However, sometimes you might want to add more emphasis or specify the exact nature of the friendship. In such cases, you can use the definite article and the prepositional phrase ‘with each other’.

We are the best of friends with each other.

Let's break down these variations to understand their usage better.

Why Not Need 'The'?

Phrases like ‘best friends’, ‘besties’, and similar expressions without the article are commonly used. The definite article ‘the’ is typically not required in these situations:

We are best friends with each other (most common usage).

We are the best of friends (emphasizing the quality).

We are the best of friends with each other (for extra emphasis).

It's worth noting that even when specifying further or in more formal contexts, ‘the’ can be used, but it's not absolutely necessary.

Drop 'With Each Other' If Understood

Generally, when two people are described as best friends, it is assumed that they have a mutual friendship. Therefore, you can omit the phrase ‘with each other’:

We are the best of friends. (with each other is implied)

But if you want to be absolutely clear or are emphasizing the mutual nature, you can use ‘with each other’:

We are the best friends with each other.

Additional Phrases

There are other idiomatic expressions for best friends that can add variety to your vocabulary. For example:

We are bosom friends.

We are buddies.

These phrases can be used in similar contexts as ‘best friends’.

Summary

To sum it up, the following variations are correct and widely accepted:

We are best friends (most common).

We are the best of friends (for emphasis).

We are the best friends with each other (emphasizing mutual nature).

We are bosom friends (idomatic expression).

We are buddies (idomatic expression).

Remember, the shorter the phrase, the more natural it sounds. But using ‘the’ and ‘with each other’ can add clarity in specific contexts.

Note: All rights reserved to the original content as of 2022 by Fred Meyer.