a pack of wolves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pack of wolves" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a group of wolves. Example sentence: A pack of wolves howled in the night, sending a chill through the foggy forest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A pack of wolves.

The New York Times

It was like a pack of wolves.

The New York Times

They're like a pack of wolves that eat their young".

The New York Times

We're like a pack of wolves, barking our manhood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their high-pitched cackling sounds like a pack of wolves.

The Guardian - Film

Now it was more like a pack of wolves snarling over a kill.

The New Yorker

For example, a pack of wolves tore our neighbors' family dog to pieces this past winter.

The New Yorker

A pack of wolves will happily kill hundreds of sheep in an hour.

The Economist

There was a family of rabbits who lived near a pack of wolves.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

While adapted to hunt primarily hoofed animals, a wolf or especially a pack of wolves can kill individuals of just about any species.

University of Chicago

He was afraid to abandon her while she was awake, lest she choke on her tears, or her cries attract a pack of wolves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a pack of wolves", ensure that the context accurately reflects the group behavior and social structure associated with wolf packs. This phrase can be used both literally and figuratively to describe cohesive, often predatory, groups.

Common error

Avoid using "a pack of wolves" to describe any random gathering of people. The term implies a structured hierarchy and coordinated action, so ensure the comparison is apt. Otherwise, a term like "group" or "crowd" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pack of wolves" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. The examples provided showcase its versatility in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Forbes

4%

Huffington Post

4%

The New Yorker

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pack of wolves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it refers to a group of wolves, often implying coordinated or predatory behavior. While it is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its figurative use extends to various other domains. When using the phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the group dynamic being described, avoiding misapplications to random gatherings. Instead, consider using synonyms like "group of wolves" or "band of wolves" for alternative descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wolf pack

A more concise way to refer to the same concept, omitting the indefinite article.

group of wolves

A more general term, replacing the specific term "pack" with a broader term.

band of wolves

Uses "band" as a synonym for "pack", suggesting a close-knit group.

lupine predators

A more formal and scientific way to refer to wolves as predators.

predatory wolves

Highlights the predatory nature of wolves, emphasizing their role as hunters.

wolves in a group

A simplified and less evocative way to describe wolves together.

a wolf family

Emphasizes the familial bonds within a wolf pack.

wolves hunting together

Focuses on the cooperative hunting behavior of wolves.

a canine predatory unit

A more technical and detached term for a group of wolves.

a siege of wolves

A less common collective noun emphasizing the encircling or besieging behavior of wolves.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pack of wolves" to describe a literal group of wolves, such as, "A pack of wolves roamed the forest in search of prey". It can also be used figuratively to describe a group of people acting in a predatory or coordinated manner, such as, "The investors descended on the struggling company like "a pack of wolves"".

What are some synonyms for "a pack of wolves"?

While "a pack of wolves" is a specific term, alternatives that evoke a similar image include "group of wolves", "band of wolves", or, more figuratively, a term suggesting a predatory group.

Is it correct to say "a flock of wolves"?

No, "a flock" is typically used for birds. The correct collective noun for wolves is ""a pack of wolves"".

What is the difference between "a pack of wolves" and "a lone wolf"?

"A pack of wolves" refers to a group of wolves living and hunting together. A "lone wolf" refers to an individual who prefers to act independently, without the support or constraints of a group.