Group of four

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Group of four" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific collection or team consisting of four individuals or items. Example: "The group of four worked together to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A group of four MIT students working on bitcoin were subpoenaed over a hackathon project.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He has created a realistic group of four life-size figures titled "Gay Liberation".

The New Yorker

Each group of four forms one god.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And how uniform is any group of four New Yorkers?

The New Yorker

Generally, each ET consisted of a group of four to twelve people.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Each group of four includes one team randomly selected from each pot.

The New York Times

Earnhardt came onto pit road, leading a group of four cars.

The New York Times - Sports

A group of four women, two white, two black, walked to the microphone to address Fariña.

The New York Times - Magazine

A group of four or five developers started working on Zeus in 2005.

MIT Technology Review

He had found what we had come here for: a group of four tailing redfish.

The New York Times - Travel

Thus a group of four might want to order five or six entrees to share.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more specific alternatives like "quartet" or "foursome" if the context allows for a more precise or evocative term.

Common error

In formal or technical writing, avoid relying solely on the phrase "group of four". Opt for more precise terminology such as "quartet", "tetrad", or "four-member panel" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "group of four" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, identifying a collection consisting of four entities. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "group of four" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a collection of four entities. According to Ludwig, its primary function is descriptive, serving to identify a set or team composed of four members. While generally neutral in formality, it's crucial to consider the context. In more formal or technical settings, alternatives like "quartet" or "tetrad" might be more appropriate. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources, "group of four" remains a versatile and widely understood expression for indicating a set of four.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Four individuals

A more explicit way of stating a group consisting of four people.

Quartet

A more concise and formal term specifically referring to a group of four, typically in music.

Foursome

Implies a group of four people, often in a social or recreational context like golf.

Collection of four

Highlights the act of bringing four items or people together.

Set of four

Emphasizes that the four items belong together as a unit.

Four-person team

Highlights the collaborative nature and function of the group.

Cluster of four

Suggests a closely packed or localized group of four.

Panel of four

Suggests a group of four people assembled for a specific purpose, such as a discussion.

Tetrad

A more technical or scientific term for a group of four.

Batch of four

Implies that the four items were produced or processed together.

FAQs

How can I use "group of four" in a sentence?

You can use "group of four" to describe a small gathering, a team, or any set of four entities working together. For instance, "The "group of four" researchers collaborated on the project".

What's a more formal alternative to "group of four"?

In formal contexts, consider using "quartet", especially when referring to musical ensembles or structured teams. "Tetrad" is appropriate in scientific contexts.

Is it acceptable to use "group of four" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "group of four" may sound informal for some academic contexts. Depending on the field, more specific terms like "cohort of four" or "panel of four" might be more suitable.

When is it better to use "foursome" instead of "group of four"?

"Foursome" typically implies a social gathering of four people, especially in recreational activities like golf. Use "group of four" when the context is broader or more general.