a counsel of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a counsel of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of advisors or a body of advice, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The king sought a counsel of wise men to guide him in his decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is arguably a counsel of despair.

The New Yorker

Theirs is a counsel of despair.

The Economist

But this is a counsel of perfection.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a counsel of despair.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a counsel of perfection.

The Guardian

That, though, is a counsel of despair.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not a counsel of despair.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a counsel of despair, I know.

Independent

But that, surely, is a counsel of despair.

The New Yorker

Yet this book is not a counsel of despair.

The Economist

But his is not a counsel of despair.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a counsel of" to emphasize the collective wisdom or strategic guidance provided by a group, as opposed to individual advice.

Common error

Avoid using "a counsel of" in informal settings or when simpler alternatives like "advice from" or "group of advisors" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a counsel of" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a collective entity providing guidance or a body of advice itself. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a counsel of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that refers to a group providing advice or the advice itself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal contexts, appearing frequently in news, business, and academic settings. While it conveys a sense of collective wisdom, alternative phrases like ""a group of advisors"" or ""a body of advice"" may be more suitable for informal situations. Remember to consider the formality of your writing and the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing between "a counsel of" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advisory group

A more concise and general term for a group providing advice.

a group of advisors

Replaces the more formal "counsel" with the simpler and more direct "group of advisors".

a board of advisors

Emphasizes the formal structure and organization of the advisory group.

a panel of experts

Highlights the expertise and specialized knowledge of the individuals providing advice.

a body of advice

Focuses on the advice itself rather than the advisors, using "body" to indicate a collection.

a team of consultants

Suggests a professional and potentially external advisory group.

a committee of counselors

Implies a more structured and deliberative process of providing advice.

a consortium of experts

Highlights a collaborative effort among experts in different fields.

a think tank

Refers to an organization that conducts research and provides advice on policy issues.

a brain trust

Suggests a group of highly intelligent and knowledgeable advisors.

FAQs

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

You can use "a counsel of" to refer to a group providing advice or the advice itself. For example, "The leader sought "a counsel of" elders before making the decision".

What are some alternatives to "a counsel of"?

Some alternatives include "a group of advisors", "a body of advice", or "an advisory group" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a counsel of"?

It's best to use "a counsel of" in formal or literary contexts. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

Is "a counsel of" the same as "a council of"?

No, "counsel" refers to advice or a group giving advice, while "council" refers to an administrative or deliberative body. Though the words sound alike, they have distinct meanings.