a pack of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pack of" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to a group of similar objects, typically contained within a container, wrapper, or package. For example, "I bought a pack of bubble gum at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pack of wolves.

The New York Times

A pack of Luckies?

The New Yorker

A pack of brats had surrounded it.

The New Yorker

A pack of cyclists whizzed by.

The New Yorker

Mr Berlusconi tells a pack of lies.

The Economist

They were like a pack of lions.

The New York Times

The price of a pack of 23k.

The New Yorker

One passes around a pack of cigarettes.

The New Yorker

THE GREY (Joe Carnahan) A pack of dudes.

The New York Times

It was like a pack of wolves.

The New York Times

They're just from a pack of three.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pack of" when referring to a collection of items that are typically sold or found together, such as "a pack of cards" or "a pack of cigarettes".

Common error

While "a pack of" is common with concrete nouns, avoid using it with abstract nouns where it doesn't logically fit. For example, instead of "a pack of lies", consider "a series of lies" or "a web of lies" for a more nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pack of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, followed by a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating its role in specifying the quantity or grouping of a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pack of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a collection of items, often those sold or found together. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although its usage can sometimes carry negative connotations when referring to people. While broadly applicable, alternative phrases like "a group of" or "a set of" may offer more precise or neutral options depending on the intended meaning. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a generally accessible and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

Replaces "pack" with a more general term for a collection.

a bunch of

Similar to "a group of", but often implies a less organized collection.

a set of

Suggests a more organized or complete collection.

a collection of

A more formal way of saying "a group of".

a number of

Indicates quantity but doesn't specify grouping.

an assortment of

Implies a varied collection.

a quantity of

Focuses on the amount rather than the grouping.

a cluster of

Implies a tightly grouped collection.

a supply of

Suggests a resource or provision.

a series of

Indicates a sequence or ordered collection.

FAQs

How do I use "a pack of" in a sentence?

Use "a pack of" to describe a group of items that are sold or kept together. For instance, "I bought "a pack of gum"" or "The hikers encountered "a pack of wolves"".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a group of", "a bunch of", or "a set of". The best choice depends on the specific items you're describing.

Is it correct to say "a pack of people"?

While grammatically correct, "a pack of people" can have negative connotations, implying a predatory or unruly group. Consider alternatives like "a group of people" or "a crowd of people" unless you intend to convey a negative image.

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

"A pack of" is typically used for animals that hunt together or for collections of small, inanimate objects, such as "a pack of cards". "A herd of" is usually reserved for grazing animals like cattle or elephants.