bands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bands" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to musical groups or collections of items that are grouped together, such as rubber bands or bands of color. Example: "The concert featured several popular bands, each bringing their unique style to the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Music

Pay Scales

Health & Fitness

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do the math: you get paid like a four-piece, but you have four bands in your group".

The Guardian - Music

He's been in DIY bands since the early 90s, is missing teeth as well as most of his hair, and is wearing a T-shirt that says Dinosaurs Are Wankers.

The Guardian - Music

In Queensland, it seems, bands can't wait to queue up to offer support – or at the least, their silence – in exchange for a few dollars.

The Guardian - Music

The number of staff receiving increments is reducing as more staff reach the top of their pay bands, which is when annual increments usually stop.

The Guardian

In England there is a grading structure of nine pay bands.

The Guardian

Like most rock kids of his generation, from an early age he had a working knowledge of electronic music through listening to industrial bands such as Nine Inch Nails, and an obsession with "IDM" ("intelligent dance music"), in particular "anything on Warp Records".

The Guardian - Music

They all shared a guitar as children, although Louis moved to bass in 1961 after being smitten by the guitarrón, a large acoustic bass favoured by mariachi bands, which he had heard being played in a shopping arcade in LA.

The Guardian - Music

The bands were also notable for their layers and layers of warm, fuzzy guitars, vocals enigmatically buried in the mix.

The Guardian - Music

At the age of 14, while still at Compton junior college in California, she started a singing career, performing hillbilly songs with her father on the radio, and solo with touring bands.

The Guardian - Film

Still only 23, Macpherson has already been in two bands, neither of which registered on our radar: Les Incompetents and Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man.Lion.Man

The Guardian - Music

Westlife are one of the last remaining bands from pop's late-90s boom period and have enjoyed an unusually lengthy run of success.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to musical groups, ensure the context clarifies the genre or style of the "bands" to enhance understanding. For example, "rock bands" or "jazz bands" provide specific information.

Common error

Avoid using "bands" ambiguously without clarifying the type. Using "bands" without context might lead to confusion as it can refer to musical groups, pay grades, or physical strips of material.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bands" is as a plural noun. It commonly refers to groups of musicians but can also denote strips of material or hierarchical levels, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Music

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Travel

3%

Lifestyle

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bands" is a versatile plural noun with multiple meanings, ranging from musical groups to pay scales. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Music contexts, its specific meaning is highly dependent on the context. When using "bands", it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "musical groups" or more descriptive terms can enhance clarity in certain situations. Ultimately, understanding the different usages of "bands" ensures effective communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensembles

A general term for any group of musicians performing together.

musical groups

Replaces "bands" with a more formal term for musical ensembles.

music ensembles

Similar to "musical groups" but emphasizes the collaborative nature.

performing groups

Broader term that includes musical and non-musical performance groups.

musical acts

Focuses on the performance aspect rather than the group's structure.

groups

A more general term that includes musical and non-musical collectives.

music collectives

Emphasizes the collaborative and often informal nature of certain musical groups.

orchestras

Refers specifically to large instrumental ensembles.

collectives

Focuses on the collaboration of people, not necessarily musicians.

musical formations

Emphasizes the structure and arrangement of the musical group.

FAQs

How can I use "bands" in a sentence?

The word "bands" is used to refer to a group of musicians, for example: "The concert featured several popular bands." It can also refer to a strip of material, like rubber bands, or levels, like pay bands.

What is another way to say "bands" when referring to musical groups?

Alternatives for "bands" when referring to musical groups include "musical groups", "music ensembles", or "performing groups".

Is it correct to use "bands" to refer to pay grades?

Yes, "bands" can refer to pay grades or levels within a salary structure. For example: "The number of staff receiving increments is reducing as more staff reach the top of their pay bands."

How does the meaning of "bands" differ in music and technology contexts?

In music, "bands" typically refers to musical ensembles. In technology, it can refer to frequency bands in wireless communication or fitness trackers, sometimes called fitness "fitness bands".