a fleet of planes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a fleet of planes' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to a large group of airplanes. For example: An air force of fighter jets and a fleet of planes buzzed through the sky above us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What does it take for the F.A.A. to ground a fleet of planes?

The New York Times

They had seen a fleet of planes and were worried about their purpose.

The Guardian - Arts

The company attracts passengers with a fleet of planes more modern than those of most of its rivals.

The New York Times

Campaign officials assumed that the businessman had bought or leased an interest in a fleet of planes, he said.

The New York Times

But his goal, he said, has never been to make a fleet of planes; instead, he wants to relive the experience of the pioneers of a century ago.

The New York Times

And finally, as the travelers' smoldering calves churn through the final miles in Queens, a fleet of planes soars comfortingly overhead, whirring lower, lower, lower until all the day's wayfarers, airborne or otherwise, have reached their destination.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Saudi Arabian Airlines, serving by far the largest population and land area, operates a fleet of 119 planes and has an unusually modest order pipeline of just 42 planes, of which only eight are widebodied A330s.

The New York Times

Two competitors of note are FlexJet, with 60 planes owned by the Canadian airplanemaker Bombardier, and TravelAir, a Raytheon subsidiary with a fleet of 50 planes.

Forbes

The airline now has a fleet of 31 planes and a dedicated terminal at Dubai International Airport.

The New York Times

NetJets operates a fleet of 550 planes and has more than 4,000 customers.

The New York Times

Salman's personal belongings, clothes and food were flown to Ankara in a fleet of cargo planes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a large number of airplanes, consider the context. Use "a fleet of planes" when emphasizing the scale and organization, particularly in commercial or logistical scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleet of planes" when referring to only two or three airplanes. The term implies a substantial number, so choose more appropriate terms like "a few planes" or "several aircraft" for smaller groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleet of planes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a collection of aircraft, typically under common ownership or control. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fleet of planes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, referring to a collection of aircraft. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, and formal business communications. While versatile, it's important to ensure the term accurately reflects the quantity; using alternatives is wiser if you have a small group of planes. When choosing your words carefully, using alternative terms like an air force or a squadron of aircraft can bring in better and more accurate depictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of airplanes

A general term indicating a non-specific and unstructured set of planes.

a collection of aircraft

Suggests a curated or gathered assortment, potentially for display or specific use.

an air force

Implies a military context and organized structure, differentiating from a general collection.

an assembly of planes

Implies the planes are gathered for a specific purpose or location.

a squadron of aircraft

Specifies a military aviation unit; more structured and formal.

a number of planes

Indicates an unspecified quantity of planes.

an armada of planes

Evokes a powerful and imposing image, typically used for a large collection.

multiple airplanes

Simply indicates more than one airplane.

a line-up of aircraft

Suggests planes arranged in a row or formation, often before takeoff or for display.

a division of planes

Conveys a group of military airplanes.

FAQs

How is "a fleet of planes" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a fleet of planes" usually acts as the subject or object in a sentence, describing a collection of airplanes managed by an organization or involved in a specific activity. For instance, "The airline operates "a fleet of planes" for international routes."

What's a less formal alternative to "a fleet of planes"?

If you're aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "a group of airplanes" or "several planes". While "a fleet of planes" is perfectly acceptable, these options can sound less formal and more conversational.

Is it correct to use "a fleet of planes" when referring to military aircraft?

While "a fleet of planes" is generally used in commercial or logistical contexts, it can be used for military aircraft. However, more specific terms like "an air force" or "a squadron of aircraft" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What is the difference between ""a fleet of planes"" and "an air force"?

"A fleet of planes" typically refers to a group of commercial or cargo aircraft managed by a company or organization. "An air force", on the other hand, specifically denotes a military aviation branch.