a crowd of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a crowd of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a large group of people, animals, or objects. For example, "The parade was a joyous occasion, with a crowd of people cheering on the floats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A crowd of hundreds waited.

The New York Times

And a crowd of hundreds gathered around.

The New York Times

A crowd of prisoners gathered around.

The New York Times

"Thief!" responded a crowd of 200,000.

The Economist

A crowd of 500 was expected.

The New York Times - Sports

He recently drew a crowd of 600.

The New York Times - Magazine

A crowd of onlookers nodded in agreement.

The New York Times

A crowd of staffers set to work.

The New Yorker

I found a crowd of the I.C.U.

The New Yorker

A crowd of spectators gathered around.

The New Yorker

A crowd of thousands waited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crowd of", ensure the noun that follows accurately reflects the nature of the group, such as "a crowd of protesters" or "a crowd of onlookers."

Common error

Avoid using "a crowd of" to describe inanimate objects unless personification is intended. For example, instead of "a crowd of buildings", use "a cluster of buildings" or "many buildings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crowd of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a large and often unorganized gathering of individuals or objects. Ludwig examples confirm its role in introducing a noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a crowd of" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a large gathering, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive examples. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it appropriately, especially when distinguishing it from more specific terms like "a mob of" or "a group of". Pay attention to the noun that follows "a crowd of" to ensure accuracy and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

Emphasizes a collection of individuals or objects sharing a common characteristic.

a gathering of

Suggests a more formal or deliberate assembly for a specific purpose.

a multitude of

Highlights the large number or variety within the collection.

a host of

Implies a generous or impressive quantity, often with a positive connotation.

a throng of

Conveys a sense of a densely packed and moving crowd.

a swarm of

Used primarily for insects or other small creatures moving in a large mass.

an assembly of

Indicates a formally organized gathering, often with a specific agenda.

a collection of

Focuses on the act of bringing together or accumulating items.

a sea of

Emphasizes the vastness and overwhelming presence of a crowd or collection.

a cluster of

Suggests a closely grouped or concentrated collection.

FAQs

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

Use "a crowd of" to describe a large gathering of people or things, such as "a crowd of people" or "a crowd of supporters".

What's a good substitute for "a crowd of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a group of", "a gathering of", or "a multitude of".

Is it ever incorrect to use "a crowd of"?

Yes, it's generally incorrect to use "a crowd of" when referring to a small number of items or when describing inanimate objects without implying a sense of animation or personification.

What is the difference between "a crowd of" and "a mob of"?

"A crowd of" is a general term for a large gathering. "A mob of" implies a disorderly or potentially violent gathering. Therefore, "a mob of" carries a more negative connotation.