When you need this

You talk about friends all the time: how you met, what they're like, what's going on with them. The key structure is the present perfect with since and for: "I've known Lucas for ten years." It links the past to now, which is exactly what a friendship is.

English is also careful about levels of friendship. A close friend is different from a friend, who is different from someone I know from work. Choosing the right label tells people how much to read into the story you're about to tell.

Phrases

how long a friendship has lasted

someone you trust and share a lot with

someone you've been friends with for a long time

like each other right away

share interests or experiences

spend relaxed time together

an acquaintance, not really a friend

support someone when they need it

have an argument and stop being friendly

become friends again after an argument

stop being in contact over time

talk about what's happened since you last met

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say one natural line for each situation.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.