a pack of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pack of fools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are acting foolishly or without common sense. Example: "After witnessing their reckless behavior, I couldn't help but think they were just a pack of fools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

- Responding to an item from a few weeks ago regarding GOP "star" Marco Rubio not being entirely sure about how long the Earth's been around, Bill Nye explained exactly how old the planet is, essentially calling Rubio and his ilk "a pack of fools" in the process.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Each regards the other as a pack of deluded fools," as one of the book's innumerable walk-ons, a Professor Svegli of the University of Pisa, puts it.

The New Yorker

And in "You Who Wronged," an accusatory poem directed at some tyrannical figure surrounded by a pack of obsequious fools, the singer's words are accompanied by pungent woodwind chorales.

The New York Times

A pack of wolves.

The New York Times

A pack of Luckies?

The New Yorker

The price of a pack of 23k.

The New Yorker

THE GREY (Joe Carnahan) A pack of dudes.

The New York Times

A pack of cyclists whizzed by.

The New Yorker

Mr Berlusconi tells a pack of lies.

The Economist

A pack of brats had surrounded it.

The New Yorker

They were like a pack of lions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pack of fools", ensure the context clearly supports the critical assessment of the group's intelligence or actions. Avoid using it in overly sensitive or formal situations where a more diplomatic phrasing is required.

Common error

Avoid using "a pack of fools" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more measured language such as "a group exhibiting poor judgment" or "a collective demonstrating a lack of foresight" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pack of fools" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe a group of people considered foolish or unintelligent. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, further reinforcing its established grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pack of fools" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of people viewed as foolish or unintelligent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare and carries a negative connotation. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a preference for informal settings. When writing, consider the context and audience, opting for less critical alternatives in formal or professional communications. The phrase should be used judiciously to avoid offense, recognizing its strong and potentially harsh implications. To recap, its effectiveness hinges on the specific situation and the desired impact on the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of idiots

Replaces "fools" with a more direct and blunt term for stupidity.

a bunch of morons

Similar to "a group of idiots", using "morons" to denote low intelligence.

a collection of imbeciles

A more formal and clinical term for those lacking intelligence.

an assembly of simpletons

Uses a less harsh, somewhat old-fashioned term for foolish people.

a troop of nincompoops

Employs a humorous and slightly derisive term for silly or foolish individuals.

a gathering of dunces

Replaces "fools" with "dunces", implying a lack of learning or intelligence.

a band of blockheads

Uses "blockheads" to suggest extreme stupidity or lack of understanding.

a horde of dunderheads

Similar to "blockheads", suggesting someone slow-witted or stupid.

a cluster of dolts

Replaces "fools" with "dolts", emphasizing clumsiness and stupidity.

a league of nitwits

Uses "nitwits" to denote foolish or ineffectual people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pack of fools" to describe a group of people behaving foolishly. For example, "The critics dismissed the board of directors as "a pack of fools" after their disastrous financial decisions".

What's a less harsh alternative to "a pack of fools"?

Consider using alternatives like "a group of inexperienced individuals" or "a team making questionable decisions" to soften the criticism.

Is "a pack of fools" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a pack of fools" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of "a pack of" + [plural noun].

Which is more appropriate, "a pack of fools" or "a group of fools"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a pack of fools" carries a stronger, more negative connotation. "A group of fools" is slightly milder and more neutral.