build an army of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build an army of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is referring to the creation or assembly of a large group of people or entities, often for a specific purpose or cause. Example: "In order to achieve our goals, we need to build an army of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about our mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"You build an army of women," she said.

The New York Times

Their goal, they said, is to build an army of Dream warriors.

The New York Times

Ed Miliband, Labour's leader, wants to build an "army" of 10,000 community volunteers.

The Economist

She promised to build an "army of lawyers" to protect tenants, saying, "I want to reinvent this office".

The New York Times

This is poor ground on which to build an army of illiterate volunteers while in a hurry.

The New Yorker

The programmer, Walter Kaman, said the promoter had hired someone to build an army of software "bots" that automatically download apps and drive up their rankings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Lubanga was said to have built "an army of children".

The Guardian

"The Teen Whisperer" (June 9 , 2014: Margaret Talbot on how John Green, the author of "The Fault in Our Stars," built an army of fans.

The New Yorker

He did open an office in South Carolina this month, but with little money raised so far, he has not yet built an army of supporters in other states.

The New York Times

Introduced on satellite by DirecTV in 2005, then added to cable via NFL Network in 2009, the red zone concept has built an army of fanatical viewers.

The New York Times - Sports

Great customer experience leads to higher repeat purchase rates, helps us to create and sell a more compelling product, and builds an army of loyal brand ambassadors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build an army of", consider the connotations of military organization and strength. Ensure this aligns with your intended message. If a more collaborative or less forceful image is desired, consider alternatives like "develop a network of" or "foster a community of".

Common error

Avoid using "build an army of" in contexts where a literal army is not implied. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound cliché. Choose more precise language to describe the group or force you are creating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build an army of" functions as a metaphorical expression. It is primarily used to describe the act of creating or gathering a large and dedicated group of people or resources for a specific purpose. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

TechCrunch

15%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Forbes

3%

Vice

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build an army of" is a commonly used metaphorical expression that describes the creation or assembly of a large and dedicated group for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, its appropriateness depends on context and audience, with News & Media being primary. Alternative phrases like "assemble a force of" or "create a legion of" can provide nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, be mindful of the connotations of military organization and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assemble a force of

Focuses on gathering a group with a specific purpose, emphasizing organization.

Create a legion of

Implies a large, organized group, often with military connotations, like a Roman legion.

Develop a network of

Highlights the interconnectedness of individuals working toward a common goal.

Cultivate a following of

Emphasizes nurturing and growing a group of supporters.

Recruit a team of

Focuses on the act of actively seeking out and enlisting members for a team.

Foster a community of

Highlights the creation of a supportive and collaborative environment.

Gather a coalition of

Suggests uniting different groups or individuals with shared interests.

Mobilize a base of

Emphasizes activating and organizing an existing group of supporters.

Generate a movement of

Implies the creation of a large-scale, influential social or political movement.

Establish a cadre of

Refers to forming a small group of highly trained or dedicated individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "build an army of" in a sentence?

The phrase "build an army of" is often used metaphorically to describe the process of gathering a large and dedicated group of people for a specific purpose. For example, "We need to build an army of volunteers to support our cause."

What can I say instead of "build an army of"?

You can use alternatives like "assemble a force of", "create a legion of", or "develop a network of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "build an army of" in formal writing?

While "build an army of" is widely understood, its metaphorical nature might make it less suitable for highly formal or technical writing. In those contexts, consider more literal and precise alternatives.

What is the difference between "build an army of" and "form a coalition of"?

"Build an army of" typically implies creating a unified group with a common goal and strong dedication, while "form a coalition of" suggests uniting different groups or individuals with shared but potentially diverse interests.