a merry bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a merry bunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are in good spirits and enjoying each other's company. For example, "We had a great time at the party - it was a merry bunch!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dame Curtsey has grandly pointed out that this table is conducted "by a merry bunch of unappropriated blessings".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As we headed outside, we were a very merry bunch.

The Guardian

All told, a merry crew.

The New Yorker

They make for a merry crew.

Forbes

Among our merry bunch of miscreants are a couple of guys from Damian's Ancient Moons, one of whom is still wearing the shamanic gear he was sporting on stage.

Vice

Stunning girls were indeed everywhere, but strangely they seemed to prefer the 6ft-plus, square-jawed Viking look of their fellow countrymen to the Chris-Evans-meets-Liam-Gallagher charms of our merry bunch.

The Guardian - Travel

The merry bunch of protesters were this lunchtime boosted by the appearance of folk rocker Billy Bragg, who sang for about 150 people and gave a rabble-rousing speech: It's crucial that those of you who are into politics for the first time by coming here and supporting Occupy, that you understand that this is a moment here.

The Guardian

Not to mention the phenomenal wines that the merry bunch put away at considerable expense.

Los Angeles Times

"Arrested Development" has added another scene-stealer to its merry bunch of actors.

Huffington Post

There are some sick people in this world and the guys over at PS3 Vault seem to be the merriest bunch of them.

TechCrunch

A merry night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While generally positive, "a merry bunch" might not be suitable for very formal or somber situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a merry bunch" in highly formal or professional writing. While acceptable in many contexts, it can sound out of place in serious or official communications. Opt for more neutral or formal terms like "group" or "team" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a merry bunch" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize a group of individuals by emphasizing their joyful and convivial nature, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a merry bunch" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a group of people in high spirits. Ludwig indicates that it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, implying a neutral to informal register. Although not exceptionally common, the phrase effectively conveys cheerfulness and camaraderie. When considering alternatives, options like "a cheerful group" or "a joyful crowd" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. The phrase "a merry bunch" is best used in contexts where a positive and lighthearted tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cheerful group

Replaces "merry" with "cheerful", focusing on happiness and optimism of the group.

a joyful crowd

Substitutes "bunch" with "crowd" and emphasizes the joyfulness of the group.

a happy gathering

Replaces both "merry" and "bunch" to highlight the happiness and the act of coming together.

a jovial set

Emphasizes the fun and good humor within the group.

a festive company

Highlights the celebratory and social nature of the group.

a spirited assembly

Focuses on the energy and enthusiasm of the assembled group.

a lighthearted team

Suggests a team with a carefree and positive attitude.

a gleeful party

Highlights the excitement and delight of a group celebrating together.

a convivial circle

Emphasizes the friendly and agreeable nature of the group.

a delightful band

Replaces "bunch" with "band" and suggests a charming and pleasing group.

FAQs

What does "a merry bunch" mean?

The phrase "a merry bunch" describes a group of people who are cheerful, lively, and enjoying themselves together. It suggests a sense of camaraderie and good spirits.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a merry bunch"?

It's appropriate to use "a merry bunch" in informal and semi-formal contexts when describing a group of people who are having a good time. It is suitable for friendly conversations, casual writing, or lighthearted anecdotes.

What are some alternatives to "a merry bunch"?

You can use alternatives like "a cheerful group", "a joyful crowd", or "a happy gathering" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a merry bunch" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a merry bunch" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is a commonly used phrase to describe a group of people.