an army of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an army of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a group of people working together to achieve a common goal. For example, "We formed an army of volunteers to help the homeless in our city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

An army of Davids beats an army of Goliaths.

The Guardian - Books

Were they an army of imperial conquest?

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're an army of occupation.

The Guardian

It would require an army of volunteers.

The New York Times

I am an Army of one".

The New York Times

Beijing supplied an army of workers.

The New York Times

Each then assembled an army of partners.

The New York Times - Tech

"We were always an army of occupation.

The New York Times - Books

It deployed an army of police officers.

The New York Times

Hamas today has an army of thousands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The N.B.A. employs an army of lawyers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an army of" to vividly describe a large, organized group working towards a specific objective. This phrase adds impact and emphasizes the scale of the effort.

Common error

Avoid using "an army of" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "many" or "lots of" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can sound overly dramatic or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an army of" functions as a determiner + noun + preposition sequence, modifying another noun. It emphasizes the substantial number or size of the following noun. Ludwig indicates the correctness and usability of this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Science

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an army of" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a large and often organized group of people or things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a useful and correct phrase. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively emphasizes scale and magnitude. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in informal contexts. Alternatives such as "a multitude of" or "a host of" can offer nuanced variations. Whether you're describing "an army of volunteers" or "an army of supporters", this phrase adds vividness to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a legion of

Similar to "army", but carries a more formal or historical weight.

a multitude of

Replaces "army" with a more general term for a large number, reducing the military connotation.

a host of

Similar to "multitude", but can imply a welcoming or celebratory tone depending on the context.

a large contingent of

Emphasizes a group forming part of a larger body, often in a military or organizational context.

a company of

Emphasizes a group working together, often in a business or performance context.

a swarm of

Implies a dense, moving mass, suitable for describing insects or people moving quickly together.

a throng of

Suggests a crowded gathering, often with a sense of excitement or anticipation.

a team of

Highlights the collaborative aspect of the group, suitable for projects or sports.

a wave of

Suggests a sudden and overwhelming influx, often used for emotions or events.

a flock of

Best used for groups of birds or animals, but can be used metaphorically for people.

FAQs

How can I use "an army of" in a sentence?

You can use "an army of" to describe a large group of people or things, often working together towards a common goal. For example, "The company employed "an army of consultants" to improve its efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "an army of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a multitude of", "a host of", or "a large number of".

Is it appropriate to use "an army of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an army of" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the large scale and organized nature of a group. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits.

What's the difference between "an army of" and "a group of"?

"An army of" implies a larger, more organized, and often more purposeful gathering than "a group of". While "a group of" is neutral, "an army of" suggests a force or concerted effort.