a curious bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

"a curious bunch" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a group of people, objects, or ideas that are interesting or strange in some way. For example, "John and his friends were a curious bunch; no one had any idea what their next adventure would be!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

ASTRONOMERS are a curious bunch.

The Economist

ITALIAN presidents are a curious bunch.

The Economist

The other three make a curious bunch.

The Guardian - Music

You really are a curious bunch, you readers.

Independent

His friends, for whom George acted as a kind of freelance adviser, were a curious bunch: felons, Vietnam vets, troubled souls, child molesters and people on the run.

The New York Times

When 4,000 British ladies were asked by Baileys who they thought the most spirited and inspiring women of all time were, they threw up a curious bunch.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is an even more curious bunch of novelists who are popular abroad but scarcely remembered back home.

The Economist

It's a curious and rowdy bunch.

Huffington Post

The up-tempo section for five that follows is danced largely in unison, and gives way to a slow solo, which leads into a curious section in which the group bounces in a tight bunch around the stage.

The New Yorker

A curious view.

The New Yorker

What a curious selection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a curious bunch" when you want to describe a group of people or things that are interesting, unusual, or odd in some way. It implies a sense of intrigue or mild peculiarity, not necessarily negative.

Common error

While "a curious bunch" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "an odd assortment" or "a strange collection" to keep your language fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a curious bunch" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a group or collection characterized by unusual or interesting qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a curious bunch" is a valid and usable English expression, typically employed to describe a group of people or things that are interesting or unusual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While "a curious bunch" isn't overly formal, it’s versatile enough for general writing. The phrase conveys a sense of intrigue or mild peculiarity, suggesting that the group stands out in some noteworthy way. Synonyms such as "a peculiar group" or "an odd assortment" can offer variety in your writing. Remember, while the phrase is acceptable, overuse should be avoided to maintain freshness in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a peculiar group

Replaces "bunch" with "group", and "curious" with "peculiar", emphasizing the strangeness of the group.

an odd assortment

Uses "assortment" instead of "bunch" to highlight the mixed nature of the group, and replaces "curious" with "odd" for simplicity.

a strange collection

Substitutes "bunch" with "collection" and "curious" with "strange", focusing on the unusual nature of the group.

an unusual crowd

Uses "crowd" instead of "bunch" to suggest a larger group, and replaces "curious" with "unusual" for directness.

an interesting set

Replaces "bunch" with "set" and "curious" with "interesting", softening the emphasis on strangeness.

a remarkable assembly

Uses "assembly" instead of "bunch" to suggest a more formal gathering, and replaces "curious" with "remarkable" for emphasis.

a diverse collection

Replaces "curious" with "diverse", focusing on variety within the group rather than oddity.

a motley crew

This idiomatic expression replaces "a curious bunch" with a more vivid description of a diverse and somewhat disorganized group.

a singular gathering

Replaces "bunch" with "gathering" and "curious" with "singular" to emphasize the unique nature of the group.

a mixed bag

This idiomatic expression replaces "a curious bunch" with a description of a group containing a variety of different elements or types of people.

FAQs

How can I use "a curious bunch" in a sentence?

You can use "a curious bunch" to describe a group of people or things that are interesting or strange. For example, "The new employees are "a curious bunch", but they seem eager to learn."

What are some alternatives to saying "a curious bunch"?

Some alternatives include "a peculiar group", "an odd assortment", or "a strange collection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a curious bunch" formal or informal?

"A curious bunch" is generally considered to be a neutral to informal expression. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but might not be appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts.

What does it mean when someone describes something as "a curious bunch"?

It means they find the group interesting, unusual, or slightly odd. The phrase implies a sense of intrigue and suggests that there's something noteworthy or peculiar about the group.