a pod of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pod of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of marine animals, particularly cetaceans like whales and dolphins. Example: "We spotted a pod of dolphins swimming alongside our boat during the tour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not merely fish — a pod of whales.

The New Yorker

We spy a pod of dolphins.

The Guardian - Travel

A pod of albacore came up in back of us.

The New York Times - Sports

A pod of dolphins rises and slips below the surface.

The Guardian - Travel

A pod of pilot whales surfaced off the port bow, then vanished, heading west.

The New York Times - Travel

The two men witnessed a Soviet harpooner firing into a pod of whales.

The New Yorker

Soon after leaving the harbour, a pod of common dolphin began to ride our bow.

The Guardian - Opinion

While I take a breather on the boat, a pod of five dolphins whooshes past Rob.

The Guardian - Travel

Catching a ferry across to Victoria on Vancouver Island, a pod of orcas casually passed by.

The Guardian

I emerged, frustratingly, just after the others spotted a pod of dolphins out to sea.

The Guardian - Travel

That turned out to be a pod of dolphins, breaking the surface of the glassy sea.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing marine life, use "a pod of" to evoke a sense of connection and social behavior within the group.

Common error

Avoid using "a pod of" for non-marine animals or inanimate objects unless employing it metaphorically for creative effect. "A pod of cars" is unusual; "a fleet of cars" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pod of" functions as a collective noun phrase. It specifies a group of marine mammals, such as dolphins or whales, and acts as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pod of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct collective noun phrase, primarily used to describe groups of marine mammals like dolphins and whales. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While alternatives like "a group of" exist, "a pod of" specifically highlights the social dynamic within these animal groups. When using this phrase, be mindful of its primary association with marine life to avoid potential misuse or unintended connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of

Emphasizes a general collection without specific connotations of marine life or close-knit units.

a cluster of

Suggests a grouping that is more densely packed or closely situated.

a school of

Specifically refers to a group of fish but can be used metaphorically for other entities.

a herd of

Implies a large group of animals, particularly mammals, moving or grazing together.

a flock of

Typically used for birds but can be extended to other groups.

a collection of

A more formal and general term for a set of items or individuals.

an assemblage of

Suggests a formal or organized gathering.

a gathering of

Emphasizes the act of coming together.

a company of

Suggests a group with a shared purpose or activity.

a set of

Refers to a defined or related group of things.

FAQs

How is "a pod of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a pod of" is used to describe a group of marine mammals like dolphins or whales. For example, "We saw "a pod of dolphins" playing in the waves".

What can I say instead of "a pod of" when referring to dolphins?

While "a pod of" is the most common term, you could also use "a group of dolphins" for a more general description.

Is it correct to use "a pod of" for animals other than whales and dolphins?

While primarily used for cetaceans, you can use "a pod of" metaphorically for other close-knit groups. However, be aware that this usage may sound unusual. It's generally better to use more conventional terms like "a group of" or other specific collective nouns.

What's the difference between "a pod of dolphins" and "a school of fish"?

"A pod of dolphins" describes a social grouping of marine mammals, emphasizing their interconnectedness. "A school of fish", on the other hand, refers to a large group of fish swimming together, often for protection or migration.