a cell of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cell of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology, organization, or technology, often referring to a unit within a larger structure. Example: "The scientist observed a cell of bacteria under the microscope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Over nine months, he formed a cell of 10 members in the area around Lahore.

The New York Times

The army has said that the soldiers believed they were "dealing with a cell of terrorists".

The New York Times

Ahmed organized a cell of sixteen volunteers to assassinate ISIS militants.

The New Yorker

It was a cell of chain-smoking German scholars who stood entirely apart from the English academic establishment".

The New Yorker

For a little while, Rose and Albert abandoned all urgencies, except those of a cell of two.

The New Yorker

Prosecutors said he had ties to a cell of Islamists that was largely dismantled after raids in Barcelona in January.

The New York Times

The suspects are members of a cell of the drug gang Los Zetas, enforcers for the Gulf Cartel, prosecutors said.

The New York Times

During this period, he recruited a cell of eight other militants from mosques along the Swahili coast.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It won't," says a soft-spoken, clean-shaven, 40-year-old commander of a cell of 15 Chechen fighters.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are 15 people in a cell of 12 square metres (130 sq ft)," he told reporters from the dock.

The Guardian

Hicks' room, which had nothing on the walls but a guitar, was a cell of rebellious solitude.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a group of individuals with a shared ideology or purpose, use “a cell of” to convey a sense of secrecy or organization.

Common error

Avoid using “a cell of” to describe any random group; reserve it for contexts where there is a defined structure or clandestine nature, like a "cell of" activists or a "cell of" terrorists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cell of" typically functions as a noun phrase, modifying another noun to describe a specific type of group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cell of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small, organized group, often with connotations of secrecy or specific intent. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources, shows its prevalence in news, science, and other formal contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve its use for situations where there’s a defined structure or clandestine nature as using it to describe any random group will be inaccurate. Consider alternatives like "a unit within" or "a group comprising", for subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unit within

Emphasizes the role as a functional component inside a larger system.

a group comprising

Highlights the composition of a group with specified members or elements.

a cluster of

Focuses on a close gathering or collection of similar items.

a segment of

Indicates a specific portion or division of a larger entity.

a division of

Suggests a structured or organized part of a larger whole.

a faction within

Implies a subgroup with distinct beliefs or interests inside a larger organization.

an element of

Highlights a fundamental or essential part of something larger.

a subset of

Refers to a smaller group contained within a larger set.

a branch of

Implies a section or subdivision with a specific function or focus.

a team consisting of

Highlights the members and composition of a small working group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cell of" to describe a small, often secretive group, such as "a cell of activists" or "a cell of terrorists".

What's a good alternative to "a cell of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a unit within", "a group comprising", or "a cluster of".

Is it correct to use "a cell of" to describe a loosely connected group?

It's more accurate to use "a cell of" when referring to a tightly organized or secretive group. For a looser association, consider terms like "a group of" or "a network of".

What distinguishes "a cell of" from "a group of"?

"A cell of" often implies a more structured, possibly clandestine, organization, while "a group of" is a more general term for any collection of individuals.