a bunch of subtle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bunch of subtle" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to describe a collection of subtle things, but the phrase lacks clarity and specificity. Example: "There are a bunch of subtle differences between the two designs that are easy to overlook."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That was a problem at first, but Waronker says the academy has learned to get better control over students, and, on the day I visited, the school was well disciplined through the use of a bunch of subtle tricks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Y Combinator-backed company also provides a bunch of other smart and subtle features.

TechCrunch

Hearing his songs shaken and stirred by a bunch of indie musicians engendered a subtle shift in the way Cash perceived himself as an artist.

The Guardian - Music

A bunch of ventriloquists?

The New York Times

"A bunch of racists".

The Economist

A bunch of them.

The New York Times

What a bunch of pikers!

The New York Times

A Bunch of Hydrants Q.

The New York Times

Just a bunch of cheese").

The New Yorker

Just a bunch of softies.

The New Yorker

"What a bunch of idiots".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to multiple subtle aspects or nuances, use more precise quantifiers like "several", "various", or "a number of" followed by the plural noun, such as "several subtle differences" or "various subtle nuances".

Common error

Avoid using "a bunch of" with adjectives like "subtle" to describe multiple instances. "A bunch of" is typically followed by a plural noun. Instead of "a bunch of subtle", opt for clearer alternatives like "several subtle examples" or "various subtle hints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bunch of subtle" functions as a quantifier followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig, this phrasing is not standard in written English. Instead, it needs to be followed by a noun. Ludwig suggests replacing it with alternatives like "a variety of subtle" or "several subtle".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bunch of subtle" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English, as highlighted by Ludwig. While it aims to convey a collection of nuanced elements, it lacks clarity and precision. More appropriate alternatives include "several subtle" or "various subtle", followed by a noun that describes what is being quantified. Using these alternatives ensures clearer and more grammatically sound communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several subtle

Replaces "a bunch of" with "several" for a more standard quantifier.

various subtle

Substitutes "a bunch of" with "various" to emphasize variety within the subtle elements.

a number of subtle

Replaces "a bunch of" with the more formal "a number of".

a variety of subtle

Uses "a variety of" to highlight the diversity of subtle aspects.

many subtle

Simplifies the phrase by using "many" instead of "a bunch of".

multiple subtle

Replaces "a bunch of" with "multiple" for a slightly more technical feel.

numerous subtle

Substitutes with "numerous" for a more emphatic sense of quantity.

a collection of subtle

Uses "a collection of" to refer to a group of subtle things.

an array of subtle

Replaces with "an array of" for a more organized or structured feel.

several nuanced

Replaces both "bunch" and "subtle" to emphasize the delicate and complex nature of something.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "subtle" in a phrase?

Use "subtle" with quantifiers that are appropriate for adjectives, such as "several "subtle differences"", "various "subtle nuances"", or "many "subtle aspects"".

What is a better alternative to saying "a bunch of subtle"?

Better alternatives include "several subtle", "various subtle", or "a number of subtle", depending on the context and desired level of formality. For example, "several subtle differences" is a more grammatically sound choice.

Is "a bunch of subtle things" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a bunch of subtle things" is grammatically correct because "things" is a plural noun. However, phrases like "several subtle details" or "various subtle elements" may offer more clarity and precision.

How does using "a number of subtle" differ from "a bunch of subtle"?

"A number of subtle" is more formal and precise than "a bunch of subtle". While "a bunch of" is colloquial and suitable for informal contexts, "a number of subtle points" is preferable in academic or professional writing.