a friendly bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

"a friendly bunch" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you're trying to describe a group of people who are generally kind and friendly. For example, "The volunteers at the animal shelter were a friendly bunch, always making time for each animal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Nudists are a friendly bunch.

The Guardian

The half-dozen yeti-hunters are a friendly bunch.

Independent

We're a friendly bunch, so feel free to talk to us!

University of California, Berkeley

Our waitress, pointing out the photos, added, "We're a friendly bunch".

The New York Times

The black-capped chickadees who frequent the Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Noyack are a friendly bunch of birds.

The New York Times

They're a friendly bunch (well, I guess you'd have to be. It doesn't do to be stand-offish and polyamorous).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Note to Steve Jobs/Apple, Inc.: Your press conference attendees are a pretty friendly bunch.

TechCrunch

Disc Golfers are a helpful friendly bunch of people.

WikiHow

My employees are a genial and friendly bunch, so I presume that they discuss some things with each other in the course of ordinary conversation.

The New York Times

Buckfast comes in an attractive bottle illustrated with a friendly looking bunch of grapes.

The New York Times

They were a friendly enough bunch, mostly in their late teens and twenties, and the journey began uneventfully, albeit to a soundtrack of loud europop.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group, consider the specific nuance of friendliness you wish to convey. "A friendly bunch" is generally positive, but alternatives like "amiable group" or "welcoming collective" can add further detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a friendly bunch" when describing groups where friendliness might be situational or superficial. Ensure the context genuinely supports the description of consistent and authentic friendliness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly bunch" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes a group of people characterized by their amicable disposition. For example, "The team was a friendly bunch."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

Reference

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friendly bunch" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a group of people known for their amicable nature. While not overly formal, Ludwig's analysis shows it's widely understood and accepted. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media. For more formal contexts, consider using "amiable group" or "agreeable set of people". It is generally appropriate when describing genuinely kind and welcoming groups, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasant group

Uses "pleasant" as a synonym for "friendly", highlighting their enjoyable and agreeable qualities.

amiable group

Replaces "friendly" with "amiable", suggesting a generally agreeable and pleasant disposition.

affable crowd

Substitutes "bunch" with "crowd", and "friendly" with "affable", emphasizing approachability and ease of conversation.

genial company

Uses "genial" in place of "friendly", indicating a warm and cheerful demeanor, and uses "company" instead of "bunch", suggesting a more formal gathering.

agreeable set of people

Replaces "bunch" with "set of people", and "friendly" with "agreeable", focusing on their pleasant and cooperative nature.

good-natured team

Emphasizes the positive and kind-hearted nature of the group, particularly in a collaborative context.

cordial gathering

Highlights the warmth and politeness of the group, suggesting a formal or organized event.

sociable assembly

Replaces "friendly" with "sociable", and emphasizes the group's enjoyment of interaction and company.

welcoming collective

Shifts the focus to the group's inclusive and inviting nature, emphasizing their openness to newcomers.

approachable individuals

Highlights that each person in the group is accessible and easy to communicate with.

FAQs

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

You can use "a friendly bunch" to describe a group of people who are generally kind and welcoming. For example, "The volunteers at the animal shelter were "a friendly bunch", always making time for each animal."

What are some alternatives to "a friendly bunch"?

Some alternatives include "amiable group", "affable crowd", or "pleasant group", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a friendly bunch" in formal writing?

While "a friendly bunch" is generally acceptable, it leans towards informal language. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "amiable group" or "agreeable set of people" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a friendly bunch" and "a welcoming collective"?

"A friendly bunch" emphasizes the general kindness and approachability of the group. "A welcoming collective", on the other hand, specifically highlights their inclusive and inviting nature, focusing on their openness to newcomers.