a serious group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collective of individuals who are earnest, focused, or dedicated to a particular cause or activity. Example: "The conference was attended by a serious group of researchers committed to advancing climate science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"This is a serious group, it is a family.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a serious group, led by Madeleine Albright (a former secretary of state) and William Cohen (a former defence secretary).

The Economist

"There is a serious group of companies that have a voice that is much louder, that is better funded, that operates much more in unison and that is still stuck in the technologies of yesterday.

The Guardian

She said: "There is a serious group of companies that have a voice that is much louder, that is better funded, that operates much more in unison and that is still stuck in the technologies and the fuels of yesterday.

The Guardian

Nowhere does she mention the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – a serious group of very fine players who, despite receiving the smallest grant from the Arts Council, and working the kind of punishing schedule she so graphically describes, has for 65 years been at the forefront of musical life in this country.

The Guardian - Music

"This is a serious group," said Representative Peter Roskam of Illinois, the chief deputy Republican whip, "and I think they are going to easily rise above some of the past injuries and sharp elbows and come with an expectation that the House of Representatives is going to convene to accomplish something rather than just settle old scores".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

They are, undeniably, a good thing: an unashamedly serious group, finding a growing audience despite a refusal to compromise – but there's still a slight suspicion that the songwriting doesn't yet quite match the rhetoric and presentation.

The Guardian

Students are then tasked with a pretty serious group project: analyzing a state or local pension plan's solvency — whether it's the New York State Teachers Retirement Systemm or Calpers, the big California public pension plan — and coming up with ways to make it stronger.

The New York Times

The company isn't disclosing how much it's raised, it's amassed a pretty serious group of investors, including Khosla Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, General Catalyst, Andreessen Horowitz, Owen Van Natta, Harjeet Taggar, Garry Tan, Alexis Ohanian, 5A5 Steakhouse owner Steve Chen, Justin Waldron, Phil Yuen, Joshua Schachter, Reinmkr, and Jared Kopf.

TechCrunch

However, there have been no studies assessing the association between environmental levels of hazardous air pollutants, such as benzene, and neural tube defects (NTDs), a common and serious group of congenital malformations.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"The Evening Standard wrote about us like we were a serious militant group – class warriors!" laughs Saul.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious group" when you want to convey that the group is not to be taken lightly and is dedicated to achieving its objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious group" as a generic compliment. Make sure there's clear evidence or context that demonstrates the group's dedication and competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious group" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe a collection of individuals characterized by their dedication, commitment, and focus. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this usage, indicating its established role in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious group" is a phrase used to describe a collection of individuals characterized by dedication, commitment, and a focused approach. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, conveying that the group in question is competent and reliable. While versatile, it appears more frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the group's qualities and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "a dedicated team" or "a committed collective" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dedicated team

Focuses on the commitment of the group members.

an earnest bunch

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the group.

a significant coalition

Emphasizes the importance and potential influence of the group.

a committed collective

Underscores the shared dedication and purpose of the group.

a substantive body

Highlights the depth and importance of the group's work or composition.

an influential circle

Focuses on the power and impact that the group can exert.

a weighty contingent

Suggests the group carries significant responsibility or influence.

a consequential assembly

Emphasizes that the group's actions or decisions have significant consequences.

a high-powered task force

Highlights the capability and importance of the team.

an impactful consortium

Focuses on the potential for the group to make a substantial difference.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious group" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious group" to describe a team or organization that is dedicated and committed to their purpose. For example, "The project was undertaken by "a serious group" of engineers."

What are some synonyms for "a serious group"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a dedicated team", "a committed collective", or "an influential circle" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe a group as "a serious group"?

While generally positive, it's important to consider the context. Describing a group as "a serious group" implies dedication and focus but can also suggest a lack of humor or flexibility.

What's the difference between "a serious group" and "a dedicated group"?

While similar, "a serious group" emphasizes the group's focus and commitment to their work, whereas "a dedicated group" highlights their loyalty and commitment to a cause or goal.