bunch of crooks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of crooks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are perceived as dishonest or engaged in illegal activities. Example: "The investigation revealed that the company was run by a bunch of crooks who manipulated the financial records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

These are a bunch of crooks.

The Guardian

It's just a bunch of crooks".

The New Yorker

"The Mandela family turned out to be a bunch of crooks too unfortunately.

Independent

Or it appears," he corrects himself, "they are a bunch of crooks".

The Guardian

She said Rees "used to refer to them as a bunch of crooks".

The Guardian

Former NSW premier Nathan Rees called a company in which the Obeid family allegedly had a secret stake a "bunch of crooks", a corruption inquiry has heard.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"He said a bunch of fat crooks were robbing Westerners at immigration," I said.

The New Yorker

"Thankfully, we also have a bunch of amazing crooks here," Lara says, laughing.

The Guardian - Music

"They're all a bunch of lying crooks," said Mr. Rodrique with the swat of his hand.

The New York Times

Nor do they inhabit most of the space itself, a mistake in a drama in which a junk shop is a haven for a bunch of inadequate crooks who talk big but are scared of the dangerous outside world.

The Guardian

The Impeach Cheney movement, as it is called, is gathering support not only from some on the left of the Democratic Party, but from others outside the political arena who have grown disgusted not only with Cheney and Bush but government in general, which they see as run by a bunch of opportunists, crooks and the self-serving wealthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “bunch of crooks” when you want to convey a strong sense of disapproval or outrage towards a group of people perceived as dishonest. Be mindful of the context and audience, as this phrase can be considered informal or even offensive.

Common error

Avoid using “bunch of crooks” in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like “group of fraudsters” or “network of corrupt individuals” to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “bunch of crooks” functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It serves to identify or describe a group of individuals characterized by their dishonesty or criminal behavior. Ludwig confirms the acceptability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “bunch of crooks” is an informal yet effective way to describe a group of people perceived as dishonest or involved in illegal activities. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and usable, although it's best suited for informal contexts like news reporting or opinion pieces, but inappropriate for formal or academic writing.

Alternatives such as "group of swindlers" or "network of corrupt individuals" can be used to convey a similar meaning in more professional settings. The phrase's primary function is to express disapproval or outrage, making it a potent tool for conveying strong opinions. While “bunch of crooks” is readily understood, it's important to consider the audience and context to ensure the message is received as intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of swindlers

Replaces 'crooks' with a synonym that emphasizes fraudulent behavior.

gang of thieves

Substitutes 'bunch' with 'gang' to imply a more organized criminal element, and 'crooks' with 'thieves'.

collection of fraudsters

Uses a more formal synonym 'fraudsters' for 'crooks', suggesting a sophisticated level of deception.

den of scoundrels

Employs a more figurative and dramatic expression, replacing 'bunch' with 'den' and 'crooks' with 'scoundrels'.

ring of racketeers

Suggests an organized criminal enterprise engaged in extortion and other illegal activities.

clique of charlatans

Replaces 'crooks' with 'charlatans', emphasizing deception and pretense.

band of lawbreakers

A more general term, indicating a group that violates the law.

cabal of conspirators

Implies a secret and often malicious group.

crew of criminals

Uses 'crew' to imply a close-knit and active group of criminals.

network of corrupt individuals

A more formal and detached way of describing a group involved in unethical and illegal practices.

FAQs

What does "bunch of crooks" mean?

The phrase "bunch of crooks" is an informal way to describe a group of people who are perceived as being dishonest, corrupt, or engaged in illegal activities.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bunch of crooks"?

It's appropriate to use "bunch of crooks" in informal settings, conversations, or writing where a strong expression of disapproval is desired. However, avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "bunch of crooks"?

You can use alternatives like "group of thieves", "pack of fraudsters", or "network of corrupt individuals" depending on the context.

Is "bunch of crooks" grammatically correct?

Yes, "bunch of crooks" is grammatically correct, although it's an informal phrase. The structure follows standard English grammar for noun phrases.