band

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "band" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to a group of musicians who perform together or in a broader sense to describe a group of people united for a common purpose. Example: "The band played an incredible set at the festival, captivating the audience with their energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At this year's show – the 30th – that meant a twerking Miley Cyrus, a cursing Taylor Swift and a reuniting boy band.

The Guardian

No one in the band, incredibly, thought to do a cover of Air Supply's All Out of Love.

The Guardian - Arts

Onofre told the band the length of the performance was to be determined by how long the oxygen inside lasted.

The Guardian - Arts

One of the most poignant images conjured in the collective consciousness from the sinking of the Titanic is that of the band continuing to play while the ship went down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Notable Mercury-friendly accolades: His former band Portico Quartet were nominated for the prize back in 2008.

The Guardian - Music

These turned the story of the band into a surreal sitcom, casting them as a hapless odd couple – Spinal Tap meets Men Behaving Badly.

The Guardian - Music

They were casual acquaintances as teenagers but got to know each other properly when Vincent joined Holman's band Bareface.

The Guardian - Music

Some voices have been arguing that a band consisting of two white men don't have any right to call themselves Slaves, that the term is racially loaded.

The Guardian - Music

Elma is the sister-in-law of one of the original members of Taspo, the first steel band to come to Britain from Trinidad in 1951.

The Guardian - Travel

"This is the first time that a European library has ever handed control to a band," says Debra King, director of Brighter Sound, who are producing the event.

The Guardian

This is a dangerous and philistinic way of thinking: we may as well give the Turner prize to someone who makes a really big rubber band ball, or the guy who makes epic portraits using a Biro.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "band"; in formal writing, "musical ensemble" or "group of musicians" may be more appropriate than the informal "band".

Common error

Avoid using "band" to describe any general group of people. While acceptable in informal settings, it can be imprecise. Use more specific terms like "team", "group", or "organization" when referring to non-musical collectives.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "band" is as a noun, referring to a group of musicians or a strip of material. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Music

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "band" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, commonly used to refer to a musical group or a strip of material. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "ensemble" may be preferred in professional settings. When referring to music, "musical group" or "musical ensemble" offer suitable alternatives. Remember to use specific terms when referring to non-musical collectives. In conclusion, understanding the context is crucial for effectively using the word "band".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

musical group

Replaces "band" with a more descriptive term emphasizing the musical aspect.

musical ensemble

A more formal alternative to "band", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

group of musicians

A straightforward and descriptive way to refer to a "band".

music collective

Emphasizes the collaborative nature of a "band".

performing group

Broader term that can apply to various types of performance groups, not just musical ones.

collection of players

Highlights the individual members contributing to the group's performance.

troupe of artists

Emphasizes the artistic talent and collaboration within the "band".

group

A more general term that may lack the specific musical connotation of "band".

company

A formal term that indicates association.

team

Suggests a collaborative unit working towards a common goal, differing slightly from the artistic focus of a "band".

FAQs

How can I use the word "band" in a sentence?

The word "band" can refer to a group of musicians, as in "The band played a great set last night." It can also refer to a strip of material, as in "He tightened the band around the package."

What are some synonyms for "band" when referring to a musical group?

When referring to a musical group, you can use alternatives like "musical group", "musical ensemble", or "group of musicians".

Is it appropriate to use "band" in formal writing?

While "band" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "musical ensemble" or "group of musicians" for added clarity and professionalism.

What's the difference between a "band" and an "orchestra"?

A "band" typically refers to a smaller group of musicians playing popular music or marching music, while an "orchestra" is a larger ensemble, often performing classical music, and typically includes string instruments.