a troop

USAGE SUMMARY

"a troop" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group or unit of soldiers, scouts, or performers. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as: - The army sent a troop of soldiers to the front lines. - The boy scouts went on a camping trip with their troop. - The circus featured a troop of acrobats performing daring stunts. - The school marching band won first place in their division, thanks to the talented troop of musicians.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A troop of men".

The Guardian

One person is not a troop.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 1915 the Olympic was requisitioned as a troop ship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adventures on a troop transport going to Australia.

The New Yorker

A group of gorillas is called a troop.

The New Yorker

Mike Few, commander of A Troop, Fifth Squadron.

The New York Times

A troop is a group, a collective noun.

The New York Times - Magazine

Polish officials quickly dismissed the notion of a troop withdrawal.

The New York Times

It was a troop of unadulterated basketball brilliance.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The hawks get a troop surge.

Huffington Post

A newly identified diary from a soldier in 1918 describes aspects of a troop ship outbreak of pandemic influenza.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troop", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a military unit, a group of scouts, or another type of organized assembly to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "troop", which typically refers to a group of soldiers or scouts, with "troupe", which refers to a company of actors or performers. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troop" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a collective entity, typically referring to an organized group of individuals, such as soldiers or scouts. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a troop" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, denoting a group or unit of individuals, particularly in military, scouting, or performing arts contexts. According to Ludwig, its usage is generally correct and widely accepted. While "a troop" can be used in various settings, it's important to be mindful of the context and choose related terms carefully to avoid ambiguity. Remember to distinguish "troop" from "troupe" to maintain clarity. Its common occurrence in news, wiki entries and science articles emphasizes its broad applicability and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unit

A more general term for a group of people working together, not necessarily military.

a company

Refers to a larger military unit, implying a different scale compared to a "troop".

a force

Emphasizes the strength and power of the group, suitable when highlighting impact.

a contingent

Suggests a group forming part of a larger assembly or event.

a squad

Implies a smaller, more tightly-knit group, typically in a military or police context.

a team

Highlights collaboration and shared goals, suitable for non-military contexts.

a detachment

Implies a smaller group separated from a larger unit for a specific task.

a group

A very broad term; lacks the specific connotations of training or purpose associated with "a troop".

a patrol

Specifically refers to a small group assigned to monitor an area.

a brigade

Implies a large military formation, significantly larger than "a troop".

FAQs

How is "a troop" typically used in a sentence?

"A troop" generally refers to a group of soldiers, scouts, or performers acting together. For example, "a troop of soldiers" or "a troop of boy scouts".

What words can I use instead of "a troop"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a troop" include "a unit", "a group", "a team", or "a company". The best choice depends on the specific type of group you are describing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a troop" as a singular noun?

Yes, "a troop" is a collective noun, meaning it refers to a group but is treated as singular. Therefore, it takes a singular verb, as in "The troop is advancing."

What's the difference between "a troop" and "a troupe"?

"A troop" typically refers to a group of soldiers or scouts, while "a troupe" refers to a company of actors or performers. The words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.