a race of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a race of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a large group of people who share a common lineage or origin. For example, "The ancient Maya were a race of people in Central America."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And a race of sorts has begun.

The New York Times

This is a race of Joe Arpaio against Joe Arpaio".

The New York Times

He has created a race of fruit-fly Methuselahs.

The New Yorker

Between them, Cape Blanco and Twice Over make this a race of second chances, and a race of reconciliation.

Independent

It mocks us as a race of people.

The Guardian

"Running in a race of that magnitude never gets old.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a race of time and taste," Ms. Aspinall said.

The New York Times

But a race of this consequence required nothing less.

The New York Times - Sports

Such radical enhancement would produce a race of "post-people".

The Guardian - Books

As the novel opens, a race of aliens called the Overlords has appeared.

The New York Times - Magazine

Crossbreeding with the local European bees resulted in a race of exceptionally hardy insects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a race of", ensure the context clearly defines the shared characteristics or origins of the group being described. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a race of" when describing non-biological or inanimate objects, as it implies a shared lineage or origin that is typically reserved for living beings or groups with common ancestry. Prefer terms like "type", "kind", or "category" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a race of" typically functions as a noun phrase. It introduces a group sharing common traits or ancestry, often followed by a noun specifying what that group consists of. Ludwig examples show its use in describing various groups, from fruit flies to aliens. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a race of" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of individuals who share common characteristics or ancestry. As validated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, and has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, and caution should be exercised to ensure appropriate application across different types of beings. For alternative phrasing consider terms like "a lineage of", "a species of", or "a group of" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a species of

Emphasizes the biological classification and shared genetic makeup within a group.

a lineage of

Focuses on ancestral connections and shared descent rather than a group defined by characteristics.

a breed of

Implies selective breeding or cultivation, often used in the context of animals or plants.

a generation of

Refers to a group of individuals born and living around the same time.

a tribe of

Suggests a social group linked by common ancestry, culture, or leadership.

a class of

Indicates a grouping based on shared characteristics, often in a hierarchical context.

a type of

Indicates a category based on shared attributes or features.

an order of

Refers to structured hierarchy or class

a set of

Indicates a definite group.

a kind of

Specifies particular grouping characteristics

FAQs

How can I use "a race of" in a sentence?

Use "a race of" to describe a group sharing common ancestry or characteristics, as in "The Elves are a race of beings known for their wisdom and grace."

What is the difference between "a group of" and "a race of"?

"A group of" is a general term for any collection of individuals, while "a race of" implies shared ancestry, characteristics, or origins. For example, use "a group of friends" but "a race of ancient warriors".

Is it appropriate to use "a race of" when referring to fictional characters?

Yes, "a race of" can be used when describing fictional beings, such as "a race of aliens" in a science fiction setting or "a race of dwarves" in fantasy literature.

What are some alternatives to "a race of" that avoid potential misinterpretations?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a species of", "a breed of", or "a kind of" to describe a group with shared characteristics.