band of wolves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "band of wolves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of wolves, often implying a sense of unity or teamwork among them, or metaphorically to describe a group of people acting in a predatory or aggressive manner. Example: "The band of wolves moved silently through the forest, hunting for their next meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The policemen of the title try, like the reader, to make sense of things: there's an unnerving gangster, a sadistic editor, perhaps a secret band of wolves.

The Guardian - Books

("Quail?? Had that! Had that!") Eventually a young underchef teams up with a band of wolves to provide the fat tyrants with a bite more than they can chew.

The Guardian - Books

Neo-Nazi hardcore band, Of Wolves and Angels, sample recordings of Powell speeches heavily on their only LP.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

McIntyre, author of The War Against the Wolf: America's Campaign to Exterminate the Wolf, had no way of knowing then that from these few small bands of wolves returned to Yellowstone in 1995, there would now be 1,650 in the Northern Rockies.

Huffington Post

That's a lot of wolves.

BBC

In 1991, Forbes called Belfort, a former meat salesman turned stockbroker, a "kind of twisted Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to himself and his merry band of brokers". In Wolf, Belfort quotes the article with a bit of pride.

Forbes

The wolf represents a "minor" Clan of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and the importance of wolves in Chippewa culture is highlighted in legends and oral history.

Huffington Post

Stacey's bedroom walls and cupboards are papered with drawings of wolves and posters of bands, mostly of MCR.

The Guardian - Music

A pack of wolves.

The New York Times

Come run in the company of wolves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm so scared of wolves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "band of wolves" to describe people, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended metaphorical meaning of a united, and possibly predatory, group.

Common error

While "band of wolves" is a vivid phrase, it can sound informal or dramatic. In formal writing, consider more neutral terms like "group of wolves" or "wolf pack."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "band of wolves" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a collective entity, specifically a group of wolves. Ludwig shows the phrase used in both literal and figurative contexts, portraying either an actual animal group or a united, potentially predatory, human group.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "band of wolves" is a noun phrase that refers to a group of wolves or metaphorically describes a group of people acting cohesively, sometimes with predatory intent. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, but its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is grammatically correct, and while more common alternatives like "pack of wolves" exist, "band of wolves" offers a vivid and slightly more literary feel. When using it metaphorically, ensure the context clearly signals the intended meaning. Ludwig's analysis suggests that the phrase is acceptable but consider the audience and purpose to choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pack of wolves

Replaces "band" with "pack", a more common term for a group of wolves.

a wolf pack

Uses the article "a" before "wolf pack".

group of wolves

Substitutes "band" with the more generic term "group".

wolves in a group

Rephrases to emphasize the wolves being in a group.

gang of wolves

Replaces "band" with "gang", implying a more aggressive or unruly group.

company of wolves

Uses "company" instead of "band", suggesting a more formal or literary grouping.

a gathering of wolves

Replaces "band" with "gathering", emphasizing a convened group.

litter of wolves

Replaces "band" with "litter", specifically referring to a group of young wolves born at the same time.

a group of canines

Replaces "wolves" with the broader term "canines".

consortium of wolves

Replaces "band" with "consortium", suggesting a collaborative or organized group.

FAQs

What does "band of wolves" mean?

Literally, "band of wolves" refers to a group of wolves. Figuratively, it can describe a group of people acting in a unified, and sometimes aggressive, manner.

What is a more common term for "band of wolves"?

A more common and less figurative term for "band of wolves" is "pack of wolves".

How can I use "band of wolves" in a sentence?

You might say, "The band of wolves moved silently through the forest", or "The protesters acted like a band of wolves, descending upon the government building".

Is "band of wolves" more formal or informal?

"Band of wolves" leans towards being somewhat informal, particularly when used metaphorically. For formal writing, consider using more neutral terms such as "group of wolves" or "wolf pack".