a mob of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mob of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, disorderly group of people, often in a context that implies chaos or unruliness. Example: "A mob of protesters gathered outside the city hall, demanding justice for their cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And a mob of locals agreed.

The Guardian

A mob of several hundred surrounded his house.

The Economist

A mob of young men surrounded him within seconds.

The New York Times

After one firefight, a mob of villagers confronted the soldiers.

The New York Times

I think it says we are a mob of complacents.

The Guardian - Opinion

A subtitle refers to a mob of "crazed Negroes".

The New York Times

— distributes fruit to a mob of starving souls.

The New York Times - Arts

No matter that it was a mob of college professors, millionaires, flower children and Radcliffe girls".

The New York Times

A mob of Mets surrounded Duda between first and second base, pounding on him with glee.

The New York Times - Sports

"Oh that's just absurd," he said testily, as a mob of reporters surrounded him.

The New York Times

Many Iraqis disparage his movement as a mob of jobless young men.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mob of" to describe a disorderly or riotous crowd, emphasizing its potential for uncontrolled behavior. This is particularly useful when conveying a sense of threat or chaos.

Common error

Avoid using "a mob of" when simply referring to a large gathering of people without any implication of disorder or potential violence. Opt for more neutral terms like "a crowd of" or "a group of" to maintain objectivity and avoid misrepresenting the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mob of" functions as a collective noun phrase, modifying a noun to describe a group of people characterized by disorder or potential violence. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Huffington Post

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mob of" effectively conveys the image of a disorderly or potentially violent group. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a crowd of" or "a group of" exist, they lack the specific connotation of unrestrained behavior. Therefore, "a mob of" should be employed when emphasizing the chaotic or threatening nature of a gathering, maintaining awareness of its potential to negatively frame the subject. Understanding these subtleties allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crowd of

Focuses on the number of people present, neutralizing any sense of disorder.

a throng of

Highlights the density and closeness of the group, suggesting movement or passage.

a horde of

Emphasizes the large size and potentially overwhelming nature of the group.

a swarm of

Suggests a group moving in a coordinated, sometimes frantic, manner, often used for insects or small creatures.

a multitude of

Indicates a very large number, often used in a more formal or literary context.

a mass of

Draws attention to the collective body rather than individual members, implying bulk or size.

a pack of

Implies a group acting together, often with predatory or aggressive intent.

a gang of

Suggests a group with criminal or illicit intent.

a troop of

Suggests an organized or disciplined group, such as soldiers or scouts.

a band of

Suggests a group with a shared purpose or activity, often artistic or adventurous.

FAQs

How to use "a mob of" in a sentence?

You can use "a mob of" to describe a large, disorderly group of people, often with negative connotations. For example: "A mob of protesters gathered outside the building."

What can I say instead of "a mob of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a crowd of", "a throng of", or "a group of".

Which is correct, "a mob of" or "a crowd of"?

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different meanings. "A mob of" implies a disorderly or potentially violent group, while "a crowd of" is more neutral and simply refers to a large gathering of people.

What's the difference between "a mob of" and "a pack of"?

"A mob of" typically refers to people, suggesting disorder and potential violence. "A pack of" is usually used for animals or a group of people acting with a common, often negative, purpose.