a band of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a band of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of people or things that are united for a common purpose or activity. Example: "A band of musicians gathered in the park to perform for the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A year ago a band of congressmen tried too.

The Economist

Vendulka, upset, joins a band of smugglers.

The New York Times - Arts

It does have a band of MEPs.

The Economist

A band of four trombonists plays along.

The New Yorker

A band of humans?

The Guardian - Tech

"Recess Monkey," a band of Seattle schoolteachers/rockers.

The New York Times

Are they a band of brothers?

The New York Times

A band of brothers fighting hard wars.

The Guardian - Opinion

They became a band of hermit musicians.

The Guardian - Music

"But it wasn't a band of equals.

The Guardian - Music

We departed, a band of drunks.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a band of", consider the connotations. While generally neutral, it can sometimes suggest a shared characteristic or purpose within the group. Make sure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a band of" when a more specific term like "team", "group", or "company" would be more accurate. Overusing the phrase can lead to vagueness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a band of" functions as a group descriptor, specifying a collection of entities. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse subjects, uniting them under the common characteristic of being a group. According to Ludwig AI it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a band of" is a versatile group descriptor, commonly used to specify a collection of entities, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions to quantify and characterize, often highlighting shared traits, which Ludwig's examples showcase across diverse subjects. Its neutral register and frequent appearance in News & Media contexts, along with scientific articles, make it a useful phrase to have in one's vocabulary. When you are looking for an alternative to the phrase, consider options like "a group of" or "a collection of" depending on the context. Remember to use it wisely to avoid vagueness and ensure the phrase's connotation aligns with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

Replaces "band" with the more generic term "group", suitable for most contexts.

a collection of

Emphasizes the assembled nature of the group, rather than any shared purpose or characteristic.

a cluster of

Suggests a close aggregation, often used for physical objects or people in close proximity.

an assembly of

Implies a more formal or organized gathering.

a troop of

Specifically used for a group of soldiers, scouts, or animals.

a company of

Can refer to a group of actors, soldiers, or people joined for a common purpose.

a party of

Implies a group gathered for a social occasion or trip.

a team of

Specifically refers to a group working together toward a common goal, often in sports or professional settings.

a set of

Indicates a collection of related items or objects.

a gang of

Often used for a group with negative connotations, such as criminals or troublemakers.

FAQs

How can I use "a band of" in a sentence?

You can use "a band of" to describe a group of people or things that share a common characteristic or purpose. For example, "a band of musicians played in the park" or "a band of protesters marched through the streets".

What phrases are similar to "a band of"?

Similar phrases include "a group of", "a collection of", or "a team of", depending on the specific context. Consider the nuances of each phrase to choose the most appropriate one.

Is it correct to say "a band of people"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a band of people". It's a common way to describe a group, especially when they are united by a shared activity or characteristic.

What's the difference between "a band of" and "a group of"?

While both phrases describe a collection of individuals, "a band of" often implies a stronger sense of unity or shared purpose than "a group of". "A group of" is more neutral and general.