a throng

USAGE SUMMARY

"a throng" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a large group of people or objects crowded together. For example: 1. The street was filled with a throng of people, all trying to get a glimpse of the celebrity. 2. As soon as the gates opened, a throng of eager fans rushed into the stadium. 3. The museum exhibit was packed with a throng of curious visitors. 4. A throng of protesters gathered outside the government building, demanding change. 5. The market was bustling with a throng of shoppers, all looking for the best deals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Against one, maybe, if he gets stranded in a forest, but not against a throng.

The New Yorker

Instead, a throng waited for Telfair.

The New York Times - Sports

"Um, I don't know," Lin told a throng of reporters.

The New York Times

Up front, there's a throng of people chanting and dancing.

The New Yorker

The cast was a throng of expert unknowns.

The New Yorker

A throng of grinning silverbacks watched from a comfortable distance.

The New Yorker

A throng of volunteers has gathered for the clear-up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Already, a throng of onlookers normal civilians is beginning to swell.

Cornell University

A throng turned out for Thursday's high-spirited launch of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lasseter directed the initial effort, Toy Story, which featured a throng of talking toys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Disembarking, she faced a throng of women huddled on the tarmac, looking unaccountably disappointed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a throng" when you want to evoke a sense of a large, densely packed crowd, often with connotations of excitement or activity. Consider the context to ensure the word's nuance fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "throng" to describe a small or sparse group. The word inherently implies a multitude, so using it for a handful of individuals will be inaccurate and confusing.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a subject, object, or complement. "A throng" typically describes a large, densely packed group of people or things. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various sentence structures, reinforcing its versatility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a throng" effectively describes a large, densely packed gathering of people or objects. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that "a throng" implies a multitude, making it unsuitable for describing small groups. For more informal or descriptive alternatives, consider using phrases like "a large crowd" or "a sea of faces". Ludwig's examples also showcase the usage of this phrase in varied contexts and sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large crowd

More common and less formal.

a multitude

More formal and emphasizes a great number.

a great number of people

More descriptive and less concise.

a sea of faces

Emphasizes the visual aspect of many faces.

a host of people

Suggests an organized or gathered group.

a swarm of people

Implies a moving, active, and possibly overwhelming group.

a mass of people

Emphasizes the density and size of the group.

a gathering of individuals

More formal and neutral, suitable for official contexts.

a cluster of people

Suggests a small, tightly packed group.

an assembly of people

Implies a more structured or purposeful gathering.

FAQs

How can I use "a throng" in a sentence?

You can use "a throng" to describe a large, densely packed crowd. For example, "A throng of reporters waited outside the courtroom" or "a throng of supporters cheered the candidate".

What are some alternatives to "a throng"?

Alternatives include "a large crowd", "a multitude", or "a great number of people", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "throng" a formal or informal word?

"Throng" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. While not overly stilted, it is more elevated than simpler alternatives like "crowd".

What is the difference between "a throng" and "a crowd"?

"A throng" implies a denser and more active gathering than "a crowd". While both refer to a large group of people, "a throng" suggests a more tightly packed and possibly agitated or excited mass.