a crowd of simpletons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crowd of simpletons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense. Example: "During the debate, he felt surrounded by a crowd of simpletons who couldn't grasp the complexities of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A crowd of hundreds waited.

The New York Times

A crowd of spectators gathered around.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

And a crowd of hundreds gathered around.

The New York Times

A crowd of prisoners gathered around.

The New York Times

Shouldn't we assume that is sincere, and not just some functionary in Iran, trying to bait a bunch of simpleton lawmakers?

HuffPost

If you're dealing with a group of simpletons you can pretty much make up words as you go along.

WikiHow

There was a large crowd of visitors.

The New Yorker

The director sees the play's restless crew of simpletons, hellions, rogues, rustics and romantics as engaged in a tumultuous struggle to make sense of their chaotic world and discover what really matters.

The New York Times

Adverts for insurance comparison websites have long treated the British public like a shower of infantilised simpletons.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mother drew a number of local simpletons into her orbit, among them poor old drunken Thaddeus Craven, and burnt them up as thoroughly as the earth's atmosphere consumes asteroids.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a crowd of simpletons", be mindful of your audience. The term can be considered offensive, so use it judiciously and consider whether a less pejorative term would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a crowd of simpletons" in formal writing or professional settings. The phrase is highly informal and carries a strong negative connotation, which is inappropriate for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crowd of simpletons" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a collective noun phrase, that describes a group of people. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crowd of simpletons" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of people deemed unintelligent or easily fooled. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is best used with caution, particularly in formal settings. Alternative phrases, such as "a gathering of fools" or "a throng of idiots", may be considered depending on the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gathering of fools

Replaces "simpletons" with "fools", a more direct synonym, altering the tone slightly.

a throng of idiots

Substitutes "simpletons" with "idiots", intensifying the negative connotation.

a collection of nitwits

Uses "nitwits" instead of "simpletons", offering a more playful, less harsh alternative.

a pack of imbeciles

Replaces "crowd of simpletons" with the more clinical term "imbeciles", making it more formal but still derogatory.

a flock of dimwits

Offers a folksy alternative using "flock" and "dimwits", making it sound more casual.

an assembly of dunderheads

Replaces the original words with the less common and more humorous "dunderheads".

a horde of blockheads

Swaps "crowd" and "simpletons" for "horde" and "blockheads", creating a slightly more aggressive tone.

a band of nincompoops

Uses "nincompoops", a more old-fashioned and lighthearted synonym.

a cluster of halfwits

Uses "halfwits", a straightforward synonym, in conjunction with the descriptor, "cluster".

a gaggle of dunces

Replaces "crowd" with "gaggle" and "simpletons" with "dunce", creating a different, more informal image.

FAQs

What does "a crowd of simpletons" mean?

The phrase "a crowd of simpletons" describes a group of people considered unintelligent, easily fooled, or lacking common sense.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a crowd of simpletons"?

The phrase is informal and carries a negative connotation. It's generally best to avoid it in formal or professional contexts. Consider using less offensive alternatives depending on the situation.

What are some alternatives to "a crowd of simpletons"?

You can use alternatives like "a gathering of fools", "a throng of idiots", or "a collection of nitwits" depending on the context.

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

You might say, "The politician addressed "a crowd of simpletons" with promises that were clearly unrealistic."