a group of outcasts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a group of outcasts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a collection of individuals who are marginalized or excluded from a larger group or society. Example: "In the story, the protagonist finds solace among a group of outcasts who share similar struggles and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The guard turned and saw a group of Outcasts hurrying down the corridor towards a side door.

The Guardian

She belonged to a group of outcasts called "the Hidden," whose turn-the-other-cheek teachings evoke aspects of Christianity.

The New York Times - Books

THE CAVE DWELLERS William Saroyan's 1957 drama is about a group of outcasts who create a second home in a run-down theatre.

The New Yorker

The documentary video, originally shot in 1996 by filmmaker (and then high school senior) Michael Lucid, was released in 2000 and chronicles a group of outcasts, refered to by their tormentors as the "Dirty Girls," who pride themselves on riot grrrl ethos, being different, and just not giving a fuck.

Vice

Find a group of outcasts like yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Three New Directions members have left: Sam, Lauren Zizes (Ashley Fink), who also broke up with Puck (Mark Salling), and Sam's ex-girlfriend Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron), who has completely reinvented herself with pink hair, a nose ring and a tattoo; she has taken up smoking, and has made friends with a group of outcast girls called the Skanks.

Wikipedia

And I certainly hope that happens soon, since Perks feels like one of the best teen movies in a while, foregoing contrived plotlines while never condescending to its audience as it tells the story of a quiet, somewhat troubled high school freshman's yearlong journey to find himself with the help of a group of outcast seniors and a caring English teacher.

Huffington Post

In his trilogy, The Outcasts, Dehnamaki borrows liberally from banned Iranian pop music in depicting a group of social outcasts - drug addicts, thieves and general thugs - who are "redeemed" and turned into ideal citizens with the help of kind supporters of the regime.

The Guardian

Apparently set in a post-apocalyptic south of the United States, where people seem to be reverting to a primitive way of life and we follow a group of social outcasts.

The Guardian

Others fear his presence will attract unwanted attention from the pervasive mukhabarat, or secret police.Out of frustration the author tries instead to mingle with a group of fellow outcasts, the joyriders who own the night on the asphalt fringes of the ever-expanding city.

The Economist

"Addie on the Inside," the long-­awaited third companion volume, is centered on Addie Carle, the one female member of the Gang of Five — actually, a group of four outcasts who hang out together and find in one another the friendship and acceptance they've been denied by their more socially integrated (read: conformist and jerkish) peers.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "a group of outcasts" to create a sense of camaraderie and shared identity among characters who don't fit into mainstream society. This can be a powerful way to explore themes of belonging and acceptance.

Common error

Be careful not to reduce "a group of outcasts" to simple caricatures or negative stereotypes. Give each individual a unique backstory, motivation, and personality to avoid harmful tropes and create compelling characters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a group of outcasts" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies and describes a specific collective entity composed of individuals who have been marginalized or excluded from a larger social structure. Ludwig AI confirms this with its examples, demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a group of outcasts" effectively describes a collection of individuals marginalized from mainstream society. While grammatically correct and understandable across various contexts, as indicated by Ludwig AI, its frequency is uncommon. Its usage spans from news articles and encyclopedic entries to general discussions, suggesting a neutral register. For alternative phrasing, consider "a band of outsiders" or "a collection of misfits" to better fit your specific needs. Be mindful when writing about outcasts and try to avoid stereotypes and caricatures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a band of outsiders

Replaces "outcasts" with "outsiders", emphasizing their exclusion from mainstream society.

a collection of misfits

Substitutes "outcasts" with "misfits", highlighting their nonconformity and lack of belonging.

a community of marginalized individuals

Replaces "group" with "community" and "outcasts" with "marginalized individuals", focusing on their shared experience of being pushed to the fringes.

a cluster of social pariahs

Uses "cluster" instead of "group" and "social pariahs" to emphasize their societal rejection.

a gathering of the ostracized

Replaces "group" with "gathering" and uses the more formal "ostracized" to denote their exclusion.

an ensemble of the rejected

Employs "ensemble" and "rejected" to artistically convey the notion of a group of individuals who have been turned away.

a league of the dispossessed

Utilizes "league" to denote a formal group and "dispossessed" to highlight their lack of power or belonging.

a cohort of the alienated

Substitutes with the more academic terms "cohort" and "alienated" emphasizing separation from society.

a faction of nonconformists

Replaces "outcasts" with "nonconformists", stressing their deliberate divergence from societal norms.

a set of unconventional people

Uses the more neutral phrase "unconventional people" to describe a group that deviates from the norm.

FAQs

What does "a group of outcasts" mean?

The phrase "a group of outcasts" refers to a collection of individuals who are marginalized, excluded, or rejected by a larger society or community. They often share a common experience of being different or not fitting in.

How can I use "a group of outcasts" in a sentence?

You can use "a group of outcasts" to describe characters in a story, historical figures, or even social dynamics. For example, "The novel tells the story of a group of outcasts who band together to fight for their rights."

What are some alternatives to saying "a group of outcasts"?

Alternatives include "a band of outsiders", "a collection of misfits", or "a community of marginalized individuals", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the term "outcast" in modern writing?

While "outcast" is a valid term, consider the context and potential connotations. In some cases, alternatives like "marginalized" or "excluded" might be more sensitive or accurate, depending on the specific situation and the individuals being described.