a pack of children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pack of children" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of children, often implying that they are playing or behaving in a lively or chaotic manner. Example: "As I walked through the park, I noticed a pack of children running around, laughing and playing games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A pack of children would return.

The New York Times

She used a pack of children and six American flags as a backdrop.

The Economist

"I remember him perfectly," my grandmother said, "with his wife and a pack of children.

The New York Times - Magazine

As we spilled out of the car, we were greeted by a pack of children who surrounded Ushiro with shouts and hugs.

Los Angeles Times

Still, as parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents we can't help but feel a little bit nauseous and guilty about unloading pounds of sugar onto a pack of children.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Matilda must contend with the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, who has swindled the shy and lovely Miss Honey out of her inheritance, while Sophie is up against a pack of child-eating giants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apparently, my great-great-great-grandfather and the mermaid had a pack of Irish children.

The New York Times - Magazine

China's government at times resembles an exasperated parent trying to rein in a pack of rebellious children.

The New York Times

Near the back was a pack of 22 children and several adults wearing bright yellow T-shirts.

The New York Times

He was pursued by a pack of curious children, one of whom eventually stepped forward like an army recruit — chest out, head up — to answer the doctor's questions.

The New York Times

First of all, you need something crunchy: Holt uses only nuts and fruit, and her cracker (which is aimed at a festive audience, rather than a ravenous pack of children) is rather too dense and rich as a result.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pack of children", consider the connotation. It often implies a lively, and sometimes slightly chaotic, group. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize that aspect of their behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "pack" for describing human groups other than children, as it can sound dehumanizing. While acceptable for children, using it for adults can be offensive. Consider alternatives like "group", "team", or "gathering" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pack of children" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It specifically refers to a group of children, often suggesting a sense of collective activity, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pack of children" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a group of children, often implying lively or boisterous behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, as evidenced by the examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While acceptable, it's important to consider the connotation and avoid overusing "pack" for human groups in contexts where it could be perceived as dehumanizing. Alternatives like "a group of children" or "a bunch of children" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of kids

More informal alternative using "kids" instead of "children".

a bunch of children

Similar in meaning, using "bunch" to describe a group.

a crowd of children

Emphasizes a larger, possibly more disorganized gathering.

a swarm of children

Suggests a large, active, and possibly overwhelming group.

a horde of children

Implies a large, uncontrolled, and potentially disruptive group.

a gaggle of children

Often used to describe a noisy and excited group.

a throng of children

Indicates a densely packed group moving together.

a troop of children

Suggests an organized or purposeful group, like a scout troop.

a cluster of children

Emphasizes a small, closely gathered group.

a gathering of children

A more formal and neutral way to describe children in one place

FAQs

How can I use "a pack of children" in a sentence?

You can use "a pack of children" to describe a group of children who are behaving in a lively or boisterous manner. For example: "A pack of children ran through the park, laughing and shouting."

What are some alternatives to "a pack of children"?

Alternatives include "a group of children", "a bunch of children", or "a crowd of children depending on the context".

Is "a pack of children" a formal or informal way to describe a group of children?

"A pack of children" leans towards the informal side, suggesting a sense of energy or slight disarray. More formal options would be "a group of children" or "a gathering of children".

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

While both refer to multiple children, "a pack of children" often implies a sense of collective energy and activity, similar to how one might describe animals. "A group of children" is more neutral and simply denotes a collection of children.