a fickle bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fickle bunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are unpredictable or changeable in their opinions or behaviors. Example: "The audience at the festival was a fickle bunch, easily swayed by the performances of different artists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The moderators are a fickle bunch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hall of Fame voters are a fickle bunch.

The New York Times - Sports

Online players are a fickle bunch who move to new games quickly.

The Economist

Hong Kongers are a fickle bunch when it comes to pop culture.

The Guardian

Brian Clough used to describe Nottingham Forest's supporters as a fickle bunch.

The Guardian - Sport

Young consumers can be a fickle bunch, and few may know that better than the Sharper Image Corporation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

And he's right to give the American audience, a notoriously fickle bunch, a wide berth.

The New York Times

And donors are a notoriously fickle bunch.

The Guardian

Investors must also remember that internet users are a very fickle bunch; this is especially dangerous for the free sites that demand little or no customer loyalty.

Independent

The problem is, young voters are a pretty fickle bunch.

Huffington Post

A FICKLE lot, revolutionaries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fickle bunch", ensure the context clearly defines the group being described and the specific area in which they exhibit fickleness. For example, "The voters are a fickle bunch when it comes to economic policy."

Common error

Avoid using "a fickle bunch" as a blanket statement without specific evidence or context. It's more effective to illustrate their fickleness with concrete examples rather than simply labeling them as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fickle bunch" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a group of people characterized by their inconsistency and changeability. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is often used to convey a negative or critical assessment of the group's reliability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fickle bunch" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of people prone to unpredictable changes in opinion or behavior. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it is less formal and should be used judiciously in formal writing. To avoid overgeneralization, provide specific examples to support the claim of fickleness. Related phrases include "an unpredictable group" and "a changeable set of individuals". Remember that depending on your target audience the word 'bunch' can be considered informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unpredictable group

Focuses on the lack of predictability in the group's behavior.

a changeable set of individuals

Highlights the group's tendency to change their minds or preferences.

an inconstant crowd

Emphasizes the lack of stability or faithfulness in the group.

a capricious assembly

Stresses the whimsical and impulsive nature of the group.

an erratic collective

Highlights the group's inconsistent and irregular behavior.

an unreliable cluster

Focuses on the group's lack of dependability.

a flighty gathering

Emphasizes the group's tendency to be easily distracted or frivolous.

a temperamental group

Highlights the group's tendency to be moody or irritable.

an indecisive team

Focuses on the group's difficulty in making decisions.

a whimsical lot

Emphasizes the group's tendency to act playfully or oddly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fickle bunch" to describe a group of people who are unpredictable or changeable in their opinions or behavior. For example, "The reviewers are "a fickle bunch", so don't rely too much on early reviews."

What's a similar phrase to "a fickle bunch"?

Alternatives to "a fickle bunch" include "an unpredictable group", "a changeable set of individuals", or "an inconstant crowd", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe people as "a fickle bunch" in formal writing?

While "a fickle bunch" is generally acceptable, it's less formal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral and precise language like "an unpredictable group" or "a changeable demographic".

What makes a group qualify as "a fickle bunch"?

A group can be described as "a fickle bunch" if they frequently change their minds, preferences, or loyalties, often without a clear or consistent reason. Their behavior lacks predictability.