a horde of monkeys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a horde of monkeys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of monkeys, often implying chaotic or unruly behavior. Example: "As we approached the jungle, we were surprised to see a horde of monkeys swinging from the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Monkey do What's more idiotic than presenting a horde of monkeys with a keyboard and expecting them to reproduce the complete works of Shakespeare, even though it's estimated to take 14bn years?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, we drank cold beers on a raised platform as a horde of surly monkeys watched our every move, then snatched the empty bottles off the table.

The Guardian - Travel

Wednesday night, Donald Trump's surrogates descended on the post-debate spin room like a horde of flying monkeys, declaring victory for their candidate and rattling off talking points amid a crush of cameras and microphones.

Los Angeles Times

And a horde of reporters.

The New York Times

Or a horde of giant mutant rats?

The Guardian - Arts

Their reward: poison ivy and a horde of ticks.

The New York Times

It's a horde of several hundred species of microbes, a horde that can do some stupid things.

The New York Times - Magazine

A painting, said Picasso, is "a horde of destructions".

The Guardian - Books

What it really needed was a horde of undercover Orcs.

The Guardian

She passed a horde of drooling apes, who she gave a serious neck workout.

The New York Times

While cycles offer a horde of treasure, it is one with a familiar gleam.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a horde of monkeys", consider the connotation of "horde," which implies a large, possibly chaotic, group. If a more neutral or positive description is desired, alternatives like "troop" or "group" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "horde" indiscriminately. While it effectively conveys a large number, its negative connotations may not always be appropriate. Assess whether the context truly warrants the implication of disorder or menace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a horde of monkeys" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a large group of monkeys. The phrase combines the determiner "a" with the noun "horde" and the prepositional phrase "of monkeys" to create a vivid image.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a horde of monkeys" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a large group of monkeys. While not frequently used, it effectively conveys the image of a substantial gathering, sometimes with an implication of chaos or disorder. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and can be replaced by alternatives such as "a troop of monkeys" or "a group of monkeys" for a less intense connotation. The phrase appears in various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general descriptions, making it a versatile expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a troop of monkeys

Replaces "horde" with "troop", suggesting a more organized or structured group.

a band of monkeys

Substitutes "horde" with "band", implying a close-knit or mischievous group.

a swarm of monkeys

Replaces "horde" with "swarm", emphasizing a large and overwhelming quantity.

a crowd of monkeys

Substitutes "horde" with "crowd", suggesting a less chaotic gathering.

a gathering of monkeys

Replaces "horde" with "gathering", implying a more peaceful or deliberate assembly.

a multitude of monkeys

Substitutes "horde" with "multitude", emphasizing the large number of monkeys.

a host of monkeys

Replaces "horde" with "host", implying a large and possibly overwhelming group.

a collection of monkeys

Substitutes "horde" with "collection", suggesting a more curated or observed group.

many monkeys

Simplifies the phrase to a more general description of quantity.

lots of monkeys

An informal way to express a large quantity of monkeys.

FAQs

How can I use "a horde of monkeys" in a sentence?

You can use "a horde of monkeys" to describe a large, often unruly, group of monkeys. For example, "As we approached the jungle, we were surprised to see a horde of monkeys swinging from the trees."

What can I say instead of "a horde of monkeys"?

You can use alternatives like "a troop of monkeys", "a band of monkeys", or "a group of monkeys" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "horde" to describe animals other than monkeys?

Yes, "horde" can be used to describe a large group of various animals, especially when implying a sense of overwhelming numbers or chaotic movement. However, consider the connotation as it can suggest a negative or threatening presence.

What is the difference between "a horde of monkeys" and "a troop of monkeys"?

"A horde of monkeys" suggests a large, possibly chaotic group, while "a troop of monkeys" typically refers to a more organized or naturally occurring social group within monkeys.