a triad of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a triad of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of three things or people. Example: The artist's latest exhibit features a triad of paintings that showcase her signature style.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rounding off a triad of death-related memes is Graham.

The Guardian

The United States has a triad of air-, sea- and land-based nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

It simultaneously performs a triad of functions that provide the equivalent of a virgin skating area.

The New York Times

There appears to be a triad of factors that sets these killers apart.

The New York Times

At Elephantine he formed a triad of deities with the goddesses Satis and Anukis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The penguins (Sphenisciformes), tube-nosed seabirds (Procellariiformes), and pelicans (Pelecaniformes) form a triad of related lineages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, the performance of the dogs can be affected by a triad of contextual elements: situation, endurance, and conditions.

The New Yorker

In his writings Mr. Salmi often alludes to a triad of factors: talent, funding and internal governance.

The New York Times

Morality means somewhat different things to different people, but researchers who study moral development define it as a triad of emotions, thoughts and actions.

The New York Times - Health

It is a spectrum, not a single disorder, involving "a triad of impairments": difficulties with social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So that in grim, soggy England we formed a triad of yearning for land where the olive grows, the bougainvillea and the vine.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the three elements you're grouping are clearly defined and logically connected to make the use of "a triad of" effective.

Common error

Avoid using "a triad of" when you actually have more or less than three items. The phrase specifically refers to a group of exactly three.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a triad of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It introduces a group of three related items or concepts. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, from medical conditions to artistic compositions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a triad of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a group of three related items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives such as "a trio of" exist, "a triad of" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure you are indeed referring to three distinct elements and that their connection is clear. The phrase's register is generally neutral but can lean towards formal in academic or technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trio of

Replaces "triad" with "trio", a more common synonym referring to a group of three.

a set of three

Uses a more explicit and descriptive term instead of the single word "triad".

a threefold

Emphasizes the three-part nature of the group or concept.

three components of

Highlights the individual elements that make up the whole group.

three aspects of

Focuses on different viewpoints or characteristics within the grouping.

three elements of

Identifies the fundamental parts that form the group.

a triple combination of

Highlights the act of combining three entities.

a trinity of

Implies a sacred or significant grouping of three, often with a deeper meaning.

a cluster of three

Suggests that the three items are closely grouped together.

a triumvirate of

Implies a group of three people sharing power or authority.

FAQs

How do you use "a triad of" in a sentence?

You can use "a triad of" to introduce three related elements or concepts. For example, "The success of the project depends on "a triad of" factors: planning, execution, and communication."

What can I say instead of "a triad of"?

You can use alternatives like "a trio of", "a set of three", or "three elements of" depending on the context.

Is "triad" singular or plural?

"Triad" is a singular noun, so it takes a singular verb. However, ""a triad of"" is followed by a plural noun because it refers to a group of three.

What's the difference between "a triad of" and "a trio of"?

While both refer to a group of three, "triad" is slightly more formal and often implies a deeper connection or significance between the three elements. "A trio of" is a more general and common term.