assembly of crackpots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assembly of crackpots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are considered to have eccentric or unorthodox ideas, often in a dismissive or derogatory manner. Example: "The conference was filled with an assembly of crackpots who believed in conspiracy theories without any evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As we wrote last year, the campaign is no longer the preserve of crackpots.

The Economist

This gives us the most cracked of crackpots.

The Guardian - Books

ONCE derided as the scheming of crackpots, the campaign for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel, widely known as BDS, is turning mainstream.

The Economist

A thousand years ago a whole slew of crackpots and religious movements rose up and predicted the end of the world.

Forbes

But German officials have warned that the group should not be dismissed simply as an "association of crackpots".

BBC

And, as it turns out, we elect a lot of crackpots to office.

Huffington Post

Then how can you be sure the side that does cooperate isn't just a bunch of crackpots?

Los Angeles Times

A splendid cornucopia of crackpot theories.

The Guardian - Books

This project borders on the edge of crackpot".

The New York Times - Magazine

What light could I possibly shed on this type of crackpot behavior since, contrary to popular belief, I am not a hypochondriac but a totally different genus of crackpot?

The New York Times

And Bellow was open to a lot of crackpot stuff, Reichian therapy, orgasmatrons, anthroposophy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using this phrase. It is often used in opinion pieces or informal settings where a strong, critical tone is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "assembly of crackpots" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "group of unconventional thinkers" or "collection of eccentrics" to maintain a respectful and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

"Assembly of crackpots" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Based on the Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe a group of individuals who are considered eccentric or unorthodox. However, the Ludwig AI also underlines that this expression should be used carefully given it may have a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Books

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assembly of crackpots" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of people whose ideas are seen as eccentric, irrational, or simply wrong. As the Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase carries a negative connotation and is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as books. While grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of the potentially offensive nature of this expression and to use it judiciously, opting for more neutral alternatives in formal settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where a critical or dismissive tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circle of cranks

Synonymous with "crackpots", maintaining a similar level of negativity.

group of eccentrics

Replaces "crackpots" with a more neutral term, softening the derogatory tone.

collection of oddballs

Uses a more informal and playful term for eccentric individuals.

federation of weirdos

Uses a highly informal and somewhat pejorative term.

gathering of unconventional thinkers

Emphasizes the non-traditional nature of their thoughts, reducing the negative connotation.

coterie of nonconformists

Emphasizes the individuals' resistance to societal norms.

band of kooks

Employs a slang term with a slightly more humorous and dismissive tone.

coalition of lunatics

Increases the intensity, suggesting a more extreme level of irrationality.

congregation of radicals

Focuses on the potentially disruptive nature of their ideas.

league of dreamers

Highlights the visionary aspect, potentially removing the negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "assembly of crackpots" in a sentence?

You can use "assembly of crackpots" to describe a group of people with unconventional or eccentric ideas, often in a dismissive or derogatory manner. Example: "The conference was filled with an assembly of crackpots who believed in conspiracy theories without any evidence."

What are some alternatives to "assembly of crackpots"?

You can use alternatives like "group of eccentrics", "collection of oddballs", or "gathering of unconventional thinkers" depending on the context and desired tone.

What does "assembly of crackpots" imply?

The phrase "assembly of crackpots" implies that the group in question holds ideas that are not only unconventional but also considered foolish, misguided, or lacking in sound reasoning. It carries a strong negative connotation.

Is "assembly of crackpots" a formal or informal expression?

"Assembly of crackpots" is generally considered an informal expression. Due to its negative and potentially offensive connotation, it's best suited for informal contexts such as opinion pieces or casual conversation, and should be avoided in formal or professional settings.