associations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'associations' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to groups formed for a common purpose. For example, "Many associations were formed to support the needs of the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In recent years, about a third of BME housing associations have disappeared, merging with other associations, shutting down or being swallowed by larger mainstream organisations.

The Guardian

Blatter is popular in Africa, Fifa's biggest voting bloc, for bringing its first World Cup in 2010 and using Fifa cash to fund hundreds of facilities for national associations across the continent.

The Guardian - Sport

Prince Ali – who has the support of most European associations – reportedly believes that voters could switch sides and get behind him in a second round, once they see that Blatter is not set to win by a landslide.

The Guardian - Sport

In the good old days, councils and housing associations built social rented housing – often called council housing.

The Guardian

If fewer homes were built by the private sector, housing associations and local authorities combined, the government would step in.

The Guardian

Instead its halls are managed by housing associations.

The Guardian

Pritchard, by his own reckoning, was too young for the Britpop moment, which "had all curdled" by the time he reached his teens, but he was certainly aware of the label and with all its associations, "the lads' mags and beers that came along with it".

The Guardian - Music

Housing associations have opposed previous versions of these proposals and the requirement that councils sell their most-expensive properties will also be resisted by some local authorities angry that mixed-tenancy council housing is being turned into estates for the poor.

The Guardian

Blatter is said, rather, to have been wounded by the worldwide media ridicule and criticism, including in his comfortable Zurich home turf, by the heated contempt from European football associations and the rumblings of sponsors concerned, as ever, with the impact on their own brands.

The Guardian - Sport

Hilton blames housing associations for allowing regeneration disputes to flourish.

The Guardian

The National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations in England, is warning that up to a million people in social housing will be at risk of falling into debt when the "universal credit" is rolled out next year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "associations" to denote groups with shared interests or goals, be they professional, social, or political.

Common error

Avoid using "associations" when "affiliations" is more appropriate. "Associations" refers to the groups themselves, while "affiliations" refers to one's connection to those groups.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "associations" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple groups or organizations formed for a common purpose. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's a correct and usable term in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "associations" is a versatile and frequently used plural noun that refers to various groups or organizations formed for shared purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct. While the term is suitable for many contexts, it's important to distinguish it from related terms like "affiliations". When writing, ensure the context clarifies the type of association being referenced. Usage patterns indicate that "associations" is commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Organizations

Replaces "associations" with a more general term for structured groups.

Groups

A simpler, broader term for collections of people or entities.

Societies

Emphasizes formal or established groups with specific purposes.

Clubs

Suggests a more informal, often recreational gathering.

Federations

Implies a union of multiple groups or entities.

Alliances

Highlights a cooperative agreement between entities.

Consortiums

Focuses on collaborations for specific projects or goals.

Leagues

Often used in the context of sports or competitive activities.

Unions

Specifically refers to organized labor groups.

Guilds

Historically related to trades or crafts, now used more broadly.

FAQs

How do I use "associations" in a sentence?

You can use "associations" to refer to groups of people or organizations that have come together for a particular purpose. For example, "The conference was attended by representatives from various professional "associations"".

What are some synonyms for "associations"?

Alternatives to "associations" include "organizations", "groups", "societies", and "federations", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "associations" and "organizations"?

"Associations" often implies a coming together of people or entities with shared interests, while "organizations" is a broader term that can refer to any structured group with a specific purpose. The terms are often interchangeable but it is important to choose a term that best reflects the nature of the group being described.

When is it more appropriate to use "organizations" over "associations"?

Use "organizations" when referring to entities with a formal structure and defined hierarchy. "Associations" might be preferred when emphasizing the collaborative or shared-interest nature of the group.