a growing army of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing army of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing number of people or entities that share a common purpose or characteristic, often in a context of activism or support. Example: "There is a growing army of volunteers dedicated to cleaning up the local parks and promoting environmental awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They also face a growing army of critics from outside.

The Economist

They have been joined by a growing army of Republicans.

The Economist

A growing army of multilatinas have expanded abroad.

The Economist

Skye is part of a growing army of patient activists.

Independent

Meanwhile, a growing army of nouveaux Kissingerians mutter that democracy is not really that important.

The Economist

Industry officials filed lawsuits and hired a growing army of help in Washington.

The New York Times

There is a growing army of unemployed in desperate need of work.

The Guardian - Opinion

but also digital safeguards aimed at foiling a growing army of cyberthieves.

The New York Times

Rooney has joined a growing army of men who choose to go under the knife to improve their follicular prowess.

Independent

But this petition doesn't back up Perry's claim of a growing army of scientists opposed to the climate change theory.

The Washington Post

Messrs Newsom and Sunstein are part of a growing army of Democrats who recognise that their party needs to reinvent government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a growing army of" to vividly describe a rapidly increasing group, especially when conveying a sense of collective action or purpose. However, consider the connotations of "army" – if a less aggressive image is desired, consider alternatives like "a rising number of".

Common error

Avoid using "a growing army of" in contexts where the "army" metaphor is inappropriate or creates an unintended negative connotation. For example, describing increasing numbers of customers as an "army" might sound aggressive or overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing army of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large and increasing number of individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a growing army of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an increasing number of entities, often people, united by a common purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, though its slightly metaphorical nature means it can be less appropriate for formal or scientific writing. Alternatives such as "a rising number of" or "an increasing number of" may be preferred in those cases. When using the phrase, be mindful of the potentially aggressive connotations of "army" and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rising number of

Focuses on the numerical increase, less metaphorical than "army".

an increasing number of

Similar to "a rising number of", emphasizing the ongoing increase.

a burgeoning group of

Suggests rapid growth and expansion.

a burgeoning legion of

Uses 'legion' instead of 'army', providing a subtly different emphasis on the increasing number.

an expanding contingent of

More formal and emphasizes a group with a specific purpose.

a swelling tide of

Uses a water-related metaphor to convey a large, increasing quantity.

a mounting wave of

Similar to "a swelling tide", but can also imply increasing pressure or intensity.

a proliferating collection of

Highlights rapid multiplication or spread.

a mushrooming assemblage of

Implies very rapid and widespread growth, like mushrooms.

a snowballing accumulation of

Conveys the idea of something increasing rapidly in size and impact, like a snowball rolling downhill.

FAQs

How can I use "a growing army of" in a sentence?

You can use "a growing army of" to describe an increasing number of people or things united by a common trait or purpose. For instance: "There's "a growing army of" volunteers helping at the local shelter."

What's a less militaristic alternative to "a growing army of"?

If you want to avoid the military connotation, consider using phrases like "a rising number of", "an increasing number of", or "a burgeoning group of".

Is "a growing army of" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a growing army of" might be perceived as less formal due to its metaphorical nature. In highly formal contexts, consider more neutral alternatives like "an increasing number of".

What's the difference between "a growing army of" and "a growing number of"?

"A growing army of" implies a collective, possibly organized, body, while "a growing number of" simply indicates an increase in quantity without necessarily suggesting unity or purpose.