a union

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a union" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group formed by individuals or organizations coming together for a common purpose, often in the context of labor or political organizations. Example: "The workers decided to form a union to negotiate better wages and working conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are a union.

The New York Times

"I'm a union person.

The New York Times

After a union meeting.

The New Yorker

Backdrop: A union flag.

The Guardian

There was a union.

The New York Times

Albee is a union man.

The New Yorker

Hugh: A Union Jack dress?

Independent

Finally, a union representative emerged.

The New York Times

A union.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another was a union official.

The New York Times

I even waved a Union Jack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "a union"; it can refer to labor organizations, political unions, or even the concept of unity in general. Ensure clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a union" when referring to the United States during the Civil War. In that context, "the Union" refers specifically to the states that remained loyal to the federal government.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a union" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It typically refers to a specific organization or group formed for a common purpose, often in the context of labor or political organizations. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a union" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an organization formed by individuals or groups with shared interests. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct across various contexts. It most frequently appears in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and wiki entries. While it can denote various forms of alliances, it commonly refers to labor unions. When writing about this phrase, remember that it can refer to both newly established groups (“form "a union"”) or existing ones (“join "a union"”). Be clear about the type of union being discussed to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an association

Emphasizes a formal grouping of people or organizations for a specific purpose.

a coalition

Suggests a temporary alliance of distinct parties for a common goal.

an alliance

Highlights a more formal and potentially long-term agreement between groups.

a federation

Implies a structured organization with a central governing body and member groups.

a consortium

Refers to a group of companies or organizations working together on a specific project.

a collective

Highlights the shared ownership or responsibility of a group.

an organization

A more general term for a structured group with a specific purpose.

a body

Emphasizes the unified nature and collective action of a group.

a league

Suggests a group of teams or individuals competing or cooperating in a structured manner.

a partnership

Implies a collaborative relationship based on shared goals and responsibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a union" to refer to an organization formed to protect and promote the interests of its members. For example, "The workers decided to form "a union" to negotiate better wages."

What are some alternatives to saying "a union"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an association", "a coalition", or "an alliance". Each of these carries slightly different connotations regarding the nature and purpose of the group.

Is it better to say "form a union" or "join a union"?

"Form "a union"" implies creating a new organization, while "join "a union"" means becoming a member of an existing one. The choice depends on whether the group is newly established or already in place.

What is the difference between "a union" and "the Union"?

"A union" generally refers to any group of people united for a common purpose, especially a labor union. "The Union", on the other hand, historically refers to the United States of America, particularly during the Civil War.