a group of students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a group of students' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you are talking about a group of students, either in an essay, a memo, or a letter. For example: "A group of students gathered in the library to study for their upcoming final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

After the email, a group of students confronted Dr. Christakis.

The New York Times

It's about a group of students who rent a flat.

The Guardian

But these policies have also affected a group of students much closer to home.

The Guardian

Messiaen wound up taking a group of students, the young Pierre Boulez among them, off campus.

The New York Times - Arts

An onlooker might have taken us for a group of students with an adult chaperone.

The New York Times - Travel

Li was 23 when a group of students and workers occupied Tiananmen Square.

The New Yorker

A group of students have also joined a choir that's tackling Mozart's requiem.

The Guardian

— "Reticent Justice Opens Up to a Group of Students," in the Times, April 13 , 2009

The New Yorker

A group of students in Prince Edward County, Va., made the same switch.

The New York Times

They were among a group of students who lived in a dorm and hung out together.

The New York Times

"Moving the ship of state takes time," he told a group of students in Istanbul.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about students, ensure you clarify the specific group you are referring to if relevant (e.g., "a group of engineering students" vs. "a group of first-year students").

Common error

Avoid using "a group of students" as a blanket term for all students. Be specific about their level, field of study, or shared characteristic to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a group of students" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase identifies a collective entity of learners.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a group of students" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a collection of learners. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides ample examples across various contexts. Its neutrality makes it suitable for diverse settings, while related phrases like "a student body" or "a class of students" can offer more specific connotations. Remember to be precise in your writing and to consider the broader context to avoid overgeneralization when using "a group of students".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a class of students

Specifies that the group belongs to a particular class or course.

a cohort of students

This implies a group of students who are studying together or are at a similar stage in their education.

a student body

This refers to the entire collective of students at an institution, rather than a smaller subset.

a team of students

Highlights the collaborative aspect of the group, implying they are working together on a project or task.

a number of students

This is a more general way to refer to an unspecified quantity of students.

student collective

Highlights the unity and shared interests of a student group.

a gathering of students

This refers to students meeting for a specific purpose or event.

learner assembly

A more formal and broad way to refer to a group of learners.

a party of students

Emphasizes a group of students who are together for leisure or social activity.

pupil community

This term emphasizes the group's connection and shared experience within an educational setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "a group of students" to describe a set of learners engaged in a common activity or sharing a common characteristic. For example, "A group of students volunteered at the local hospital".

What are some alternatives to "a group of students"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a student body", "a class of students", or "a cohort of students".

Is it ever more appropriate to use "students" instead of "a group of students"?

Yes, if you're referring to students in general or as a whole, "students" is often more appropriate. Use "a group of students" when referring to a specific subset or collection of students.

What is the difference between "a group of students" and "the students"?

"A group of students" refers to an unspecified or new collection of students. "The students" refers to a specific group of students that has already been identified or is known to the audience.