a caravan of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a caravan of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or vehicles traveling together, often in a journey or migration context. Example: "As the sun set, a caravan of travelers made their way across the desert, seeking shelter for the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ours is not a caravan of despair".

The New York Times - Arts

More so: It's a caravan of camels.

The New York Times - Books

I dreamt I saw a caravan of the dead.

The New Yorker

At night, you hear a caravan of wanderers.

The New Yorker

"Now it's just a caravan of three Suburbans.

The New York Times

Outside the gate a caravan of buses rumbled past, slowly and loudly.

The New York Times - Arts

The bus moved out in a caravan of seventeen state-police cars.

The New Yorker

His hajj had begun at the Srinagar airport, where he arrived in a caravan of supporters.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He says he led a caravan of 50 camels loaded with Kalashnikovs to Egypt.

The Guardian

A caravan of llamas is sometimes used to transport goods to an open-air market about 150 200 km away from this region.

American Journal of Human Biology

The Labor/Greens/independents 'alliance' is a 'caravan of chaos' that threatens political and economic stability.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a caravan of" to vividly describe a group journeying together, especially when implying a sense of adventure or a shared purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a caravan of" when simply referring to a generic group. The phrase carries a historical and somewhat romantic association with long journeys and shared experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a caravan of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies a group of people, animals, or vehicles traveling together. Ludwig indicates that it is frequently used to depict journeys or organized movements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

11%

Books

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Travel

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a caravan of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to depict a group journeying together, often implying adventure or shared purpose. Primarily found in news and media, it also appears in encyclopedias and books. While versatile, it carries a historical connotation, making it most effective when describing journeys or organized movements. Alternatives include phrases like "a procession of" or "a convoy of", depending on the context. The analysis suggests that while the phrase is correct, one should be mindful of its connotative weight and select it when appropriate to the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a procession of

Replaces "caravan" with "procession", emphasizing a formal or ceremonial movement.

a convoy of

Substitutes "caravan" with "convoy", suggesting a group traveling together for protection or organized transport.

a train of

Uses "train" instead of "caravan", implying a line of vehicles or animals moving together.

a stream of

Emphasizes the continuous flow or movement of a group.

a parade of

Suggests a celebratory or display-oriented procession.

a fleet of

Implies an organized group of vehicles or ships.

a group of

A general term for a collection of items or people.

an entourage of

Suggests a group accompanying an important person.

a throng of

Implies a large, densely packed crowd.

a multitude of

Highlights the large number of individuals or items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a caravan of" to describe a group of people or vehicles traveling together, often on a journey. For example, "A caravan of travelers crossed the desert".

What are some alternatives to "a caravan of"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "a procession of", "a convoy of", or "a train of", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a caravan of" in modern contexts?

Yes, it can be used in modern contexts, but it's important to consider the connotation. It works best when describing a group journeying together with a shared purpose or in a somewhat adventurous setting.

What's the difference between "a caravan of" and "a convoy of"?

"A caravan of" generally implies a more traditional or historical journey, while "a convoy of" often suggests a group of vehicles traveling together for protection or in an organized manner.