Is there any difference between "his friend" and "a friend of his"?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
There is no major difference in meaning between "his friend" and "a friend of his" – only some very subtle differences in usage. "A friend of his" is a little more “distant” or non-specific about the person than "his friend". Ex: His friend Luke lives in London. Ex: A friend of his from school lives in London.