a gang of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a gang of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people who are working together for a common purpose, often with a negative connotation. Example: "The city was plagued by a gang of thieves who targeted wealthy neighborhoods." In this sentence, "a gang of thieves" refers to a group of criminals who work together to commit crimes. "Gang" can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe a group of friends or people with a shared interest or hobby. Example: "I met a gang of hikers at the park and joined them for a day-long trek." In this sentence, "a gang of hikers" refers to a group of individuals who enjoy hiking together.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A gang of young guys.

The New Yorker

Join a gang of criminals.

The New Yorker

They are simply a gang of kidnappers.

The Economist

A gang of 23.

The New York Times

"a gang of thieves".

The New York Times - Sports

A gang of street toughs?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I don't have a gang of guys who are friends.

The New York Times

It involved a gang of white supremacists.

HuffPost

It was the swollen corpse of a female frog, crushed senseless by a gang of males.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For example: "You are walking down your street and see a gang of children laughing.

Clinical Psychology Review

He's like the lone innocent in a gang of rogues.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a gang of", consider the connotation. It often implies a negative or rebellious group, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. If you need a more neutral term, use "a group of" instead.

Common error

While "a gang of" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound informal or even pejorative in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a group of" or "a team of" in academic papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gang of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a group or collection, often with connotations of shared activity or purpose. Ludwig shows its wide usage in describing various groups, both positively and negatively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a gang of" is a common and generally correct phrase used to describe a group, often with a shared purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can carry a negative connotation, particularly when referring to criminals, but can also be used more neutrally. The best practice is to be mindful of the context and choose a more neutral alternative like ""a group of"" if the negative implication is unintended. While frequently found in news and media, its usage in formal academic writing should be carefully considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

This is a more neutral and general term for a collection of individuals or objects.

a bunch of

This alternative is more informal and is generally used to describe a collection of similar items or people.

a pack of

This suggests a group, often animals or people, acting together, sometimes with a predatory connotation.

a crowd of

This refers to a large gathering of people, usually in a public place.

a mob of

This suggests a disorderly or riotous crowd.

a team of

This implies a group of people working together for a specific purpose.

a crew of

This suggests a group of people working together, often in a skilled or specialized capacity.

an outfit of

This alternative refers to group of people usually working together in illegal ways.

a band of

This alternative suggests a cohesive group with shared interests or goals.

a circle of

This signifies a group of people connected by shared relationships or interests.

FAQs

How can I use "a gang of" in a sentence?

You can use "a gang of" to describe a group of people, animals, or things, often with a negative connotation, such as "a gang of thieves" or "a gang of rowdy kids". Consider alternative phrasing such as "a group of" if the tone is too harsh.

What are some alternatives to "a gang of"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a group of", "a bunch of", "a pack of", or "a team of". Choose the alternative that best fits the tone and meaning you want to convey.

Is it always negative to use "a gang of"?

While often associated with negative connotations like "a gang of criminals", it can also be used more neutrally to describe a group of friends or colleagues, although less commonly. Pay attention to the context.

Which is correct, "a gang of people" or "a group of people"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a group of people" is more neutral and widely applicable. "A gang of people" implies a sense of shared purpose or activity, which may not always be appropriate. Compare it with "a team of" or "a circle of" depending on context.