a cluster of students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cluster of students" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of students gathered together in a specific location or engaged in a common activity. Example: "During the lunch break, there was a cluster of students gathered around the fountain, chatting and laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A cluster of students in mildly worn jeans worked on their drawings.

The New Yorker

Mr. Johnson, a junior in tattered Converse sneakers, was hovering tentatively at the edge of a cluster of students who had met on the quad to practice their Tibetan.

The New York Times

In his first week at MIT, Assistant Professor Admir Masic of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering CEEE) approaches a cluster of students at the department's graduate program reception.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I passed a cluster of students huddled around copies of the tabloid, reading the "article" about me.

Los Angeles Times

Through the school window, view a cluster of students in the hallway.

UNICEF

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Outside the student center, a cluster of dreadlocked students played Hacky Sack in the drizzle.

The New York Times - Magazine

Appearing with state and local police officials on Monday, Ms. Scheibel said that Ms. Prince's suicide came after nearly three months of severe taunting and physical threats by a cluster of fellow students.

The New York Times

When the soldiers arrive, finding a cluster of teenage students ― many girls ― Dong-ho is mercilessly killed, despite his tender years.

Huffington Post

Among the campus sites they noted this fall actually a fairly inescapable site, right on the Chapel Quad was a small cluster of students inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Duke University

Ms. Morse sees advantages for capable students who are pushed down in rank by a cluster of high-powered students.

The New York Times

The APD's key recommendations include designing dorms around a "cluster" of about 30 students and one Graduate Resident Tutor (GRT) in a mix of single rooms, double rooms, and shared community space.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cluster of students" to vividly describe a group of students gathered in a particular area, emphasizing their proximity and togetherness. For instance, describe campus scenes or informal gatherings effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a cluster of students" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "group of students" or "cohort of students" would be more appropriate. The term "cluster" can sometimes imply disorganization or informality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cluster of students" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a group of students, emphasizing their proximity. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cluster of students" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a group of students gathered closely together. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is more frequent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For formal settings, consider more neutral terms like "group of students" or "cohort of students". Remember to use this phrase when you want to vividly depict students in close proximity, enhancing your descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of students

Replaces "cluster" with the more general term "group", slightly altering the imagery.

a gathering of students

Substitutes "cluster" with "gathering", emphasizing the act of students coming together.

a crowd of students

Uses "crowd" instead of "cluster", suggesting a larger and possibly less organized group.

a huddle of students

Replaces "cluster" with "huddle", implying the students are close together, possibly for warmth or secrecy.

a knot of students

Uses "knot" instead of "cluster", suggesting a tightly packed group.

a small assembly of students

Replaces "cluster" with "small assembly", which is more formal.

several students

Emphasizes the number of students instead of their arrangement.

a throng of students

Uses "throng", indicating a densely packed and moving crowd of students.

a collection of students

Replaces "cluster" with "collection", which is more neutral and less visually descriptive.

a mass of students

Employs "mass" to indicate a large, indistinct group of students.

FAQs

What does "a cluster of students" mean?

The phrase "a cluster of students" refers to a group of students gathered closely together, often in an informal or somewhat disorganized way. It suggests proximity and a shared location or activity.

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

You can use alternatives like "a group of students", "a gathering of students", or "several students" depending on the context.

Is "a cluster of students" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "a cluster of students" leans towards the informal side. In academic or professional contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "a cohort of students" or "a group of students".

How can I use "a cluster of students" in a sentence?

You might say, "A cluster of students was huddled around the notice board, checking their exam results" or "The professor navigated through "a cluster of students" after the lecture."