a cluster of

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "a cluster of" to refer to a group or collection of similar things found close together. Example sentence: A cluster of stars shimmered in the night sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cluster of pathologies?

The New York Times - Books

"Sometimes you see a cluster of them.

The New York Times

A cluster of relatives approached to embrace.

The New York Times

Or rather, a cluster of anonymities.

The Guardian - Books

Social democratic parties did well for a cluster of reasons.

The Guardian

After the service, Blackwill approached a cluster of television cameras.

The New Yorker

It's just kind of a cluster of craziness".

The Guardian

Later, a cluster of huge Earthlike storms developed there.

The New York Times - Science

Still, a cluster of new recordings prove the genre's durability.

The New Yorker

They may lose a cluster of wickets tomorrow".

The Guardian - Sport

A cluster of Tuaregs around the guitarist clapped and cheered.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cluster of" when referring to a group of similar items located close together. It's particularly effective when describing physical arrangements or related concepts. For example: "A cluster of stars shimmered in the night sky."

Common error

Avoid using "a cluster of" to describe items that are widely scattered or unrelated. "Cluster" implies proximity and some degree of homogeneity. For instance, don't say "a cluster of ideas" if the ideas are completely unrelated and developed separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cluster of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying a subsequent noun to indicate a collection or group of items. It acts as a quantifier, specifying that there are multiple items grouped together. Ludwig confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cluster of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a group of similar items that are located close together. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including News & Media and Science. While "a group of" or "a collection of" can serve as alternatives, "a cluster of" specifically emphasizes the proximity of the items. When writing, ensure that the items are indeed closely located to maintain the accuracy of the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

This alternative is more general and widely applicable to various types of groupings.

a collection of

This alternative emphasizes the act of gathering or accumulating items.

a bunch of

This alternative is more informal and suggests a loosely organized grouping.

a set of

This alternative implies a defined or related group of items.

a gathering of

This alternative suggests a deliberate assembly or meeting.

an aggregation of

This alternative is more formal and technical, often used in scientific contexts.

a collection of

Implies more careful selection or arrangement than "cluster".

a swarm of

Suggests a large, moving group, often used for insects or people.

a constellation of

Figurative, suggesting a group of related elements that create a pattern.

an assortment of

This alternative indicates a variety of different items grouped together.

FAQs

How to use "a cluster of" in a sentence?

Use "a cluster of" to describe a group of similar things that are located close together. For example, "A cluster of houses huddled together on the hilltop."

What can I say instead of "a cluster of"?

You can use alternatives like "a group of", "a collection of", or "a bunch of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is correct. "A cluster of people" refers to a group of people standing or gathered closely together. For instance, "A cluster of people waiting at the bus stop."

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

"A cluster of" implies that the items are physically close together, whereas "a group of" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply physical proximity. A "group of friends" could be spread across a city, but "a cluster of friends" are likely standing together.