an unruly mob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unruly mob" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are behaving in a disorderly or chaotic manner, often in a context involving protests, riots, or disturbances. Example: "The police struggled to control an unruly mob that had gathered in the town square, demanding justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We had an unruly mob," Dewhurst said.

The Guardian

We're more than an unruly mob.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Abhisit gained kudos for quelling an unruly mob.

The Economist

The rioters are dismissed as an "unruly mob" who were "thieving pure and simple".

The Guardian

In May of this year, word came through of an unruly mob in France.

The New Yorker

Speaking to reporters that night, Mr. Dewhurst blamed an "unruly mob" in the Senate gallery for the failure.

The New York Times

It has created the image of a bunch of vigilantes in an unruly mob out to punish people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Not all Republicans are acting like the victims of an inexplicably unruly mob.

Huffington Post

During a late night gig at the Udderbelly on the South Bank in London a couple of weeks ago, while dealing quite brutally with a particularly unruly mob, one woman pleaded meekly: "You're just picking on people and it's not funny".

The Guardian

Yesterday was a particularly unruly mob, and by 2 30 we were in full voice, culminating in a raucous cheer as the home team won in unexpected fashion.

HuffPost

Democrats also risk playing into the hands of Mr. Trump and his fellow Republicans, who have taken to describing their opponents as a menacing and unruly "mob" — a cornerstone of their closing message ahead of the November elections, particularly after protests over Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh's confirmation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unruly mob", ensure the context clearly indicates the group's behavior is disruptive and difficult to manage. Provide specific examples of their actions to strengthen the description.

Common error

Avoid using "an unruly mob" when the group's behavior is simply loud or boisterous without any threat of violence or disruption. Choose a more appropriate descriptor like "a lively crowd" or "an enthusiastic gathering" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unruly mob" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in describing disruptive groups. The adjective "unruly" modifies the noun "mob", highlighting its lack of control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unruly mob" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a disorderly and difficult-to-control group of people. Ludwig confirms that its primary function is descriptive, often carrying negative connotations. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, emphasizing its role in reporting on protests, riots, or other disturbances. When using this phrase, clarity and context are essential to accurately portray the situation. Alternatives such as "a disorderly crowd" or "a riotous assembly" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disorderly crowd

Replaces "unruly" with "disorderly", focusing on the lack of order in the group.

a tumultuous crowd

Replaces "unruly" with "tumultuous", suggesting a state of uproar and agitation.

a riotous assembly

Uses "riotous" to emphasize the chaotic and potentially violent nature of the gathering.

an uncontrolled group

Focuses on the lack of control exerted over the group's behavior.

a lawless horde

Highlights the disregard for law and order within the group.

a turbulent mass

Uses "turbulent" to convey a sense of unrest and instability within the group.

a disruptive throng

Emphasizes the group's actions as causing disruption and disturbance.

a rebellious gathering

Highlights the act of resistance and defiance against authority.

a fractious gathering

Emphasizes the divisiveness and internal conflict within the group.

a disobedient multitude

Focuses on the refusal to obey rules or instructions by a large group.

FAQs

How can I use "an unruly mob" in a sentence?

You can use "an unruly mob" to describe a group of people behaving in a disorderly and difficult-to-control manner. For example, "The police struggled to contain "an unruly mob" during the protest."

What are some synonyms for "an unruly mob"?

Alternatives include "a disorderly crowd", "a riotous assembly", or "an uncontrolled group", each emphasizing different aspects of the group's behavior.

Is it always negative to describe a group as "an unruly mob"?

Yes, describing a group as "an unruly mob" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that their behavior is disruptive, difficult to manage, and potentially dangerous. It's important to consider the implications before using this phrase.

What's the difference between "an unruly mob" and "a protest"?

A "protest" is a demonstration of dissent, which can be peaceful or disruptive. "An unruly mob" specifically refers to a group behaving in a disorderly and uncontrollable manner, which might occur during a protest, but not all protests involve such behavior.