cluster

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cluster" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a group of similar things that are close together, or as a verb to refer to things that are arranged in a group. Example sentence: The cluster of trees in the park provided shade for the visitors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a view echoed by Laura Crossley, who coordinates a cluster of 18 museums and sites across north Norfolk all taking part in the late-night festival.

The Guardian

On the evening of 31 August 1854, families living in a cluster of cramped, overcrowded houses in Soho, London, were struck by a horrific calamity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The outbreak in Bombali was reportedly linked to a cluster of cases in the Aberdeen fishing community in Freetown, and the WHO said efforts were under way to track more than 2,000 contacts associated with that cluster.

The Guardian

Injuries cluster early in the season so pre-season training could help.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Almaz-Antey said it had carried out the investigation as part of an appeal against its inclusion on sanctions lists, saying that the development of a new "cluster" near St Petersburg had become significantly more expensive now that equipment could no longer be purchased from suppliers it had previously planned to use.

The Guardian

Samsung is close to completing its palatial glass box in San Jose, Amazon is planning to bestow Seattle with a cluster of jungle-filled biospheres, while Google is reviving the 1970s dream of sweeping the world beneath an undulating transparent tent.

The Guardian - Arts

But SSC has ambitions plans, and it was the only software cluster invited to join the prime minister's trade visit to China last December.

The Guardian

The leaders' reputations are converging – except Sturgeon Tracked over time, the leaders' reputations now cluster together, representing a significant drop for Farage – much less popular than his party – a small drop for Cameron, effective but uninspiring, and a small rise for Miliband, who surprised panelists (admittedly from a low bar).

The Guardian

These would include a cluster of secondary schools in the country's poorest districts.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the other end of the spectrum, stripping my account to the bare minimum, and leaving me with little more than PBS, a cluster of local channels and a handful of news channels, would still cost me $153.13 a month.

The Guardian - Money

6pm: Dinner at A. Baker No single development has done more to invigorate Canberra's urban life than New Acton, a cluster of buildings sandwiched between the Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, use "cluster" to indicate items are grouped closely together. For example, "The houses cluster around the town square."

Common error

Avoid using "cluster" when items are scattered or distributed widely. "Cluster" implies a close, concentrated grouping, not a random distribution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cluster" is as a noun, referring to a group of similar things that are close together. It can also function as a verb, meaning to gather together in a group. Ludwig's examples illustrate both uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "cluster" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun or verb to describe a grouping of items or entities in close proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and the phrase is considered "Very common" across varied contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing "cluster", ensure that the described items are indeed closely grouped, distinguishing it from more dispersed arrangements. For alternatives, consider terms like "group", "bunch", or "collection", depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group

A more general term for a collection of items or entities.

bunch

Implies a close gathering, often of similar items.

collection

Highlights the act of gathering items together.

assemblage

Suggests a formal gathering or collection.

aggregation

Focuses on the process of combining elements into a larger mass.

constellation

Refers to a group of stars or a figurative gathering of notable things.

clump

Implies a dense, often irregular grouping.

accumulation

Highlights the gradual gathering of something over time.

concentration

Suggests a high density of something in a particular area.

galaxy

A vast system of stars, gas, and dust, also used figuratively for large collections.

FAQs

How to use "cluster" in a sentence?

Use "cluster" as a noun to describe a group of things close together, like "a cluster of islands", or as a verb to describe things gathering together, such as "people cluster around a stage".

What can I say instead of "cluster"?

You can use alternatives like "group", "bunch", or "collection" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cluster of" or "clustering of"?

"Cluster of" is generally used as a noun phrase, while "clustering of" emphasizes the process or action. For example, "a cluster of stars" versus "the clustering of data points".

What's the difference between "cluster" and "group"?

"Cluster" often implies a closer physical proximity or association than "group". A "group" can be more abstract or dispersed, while a "cluster" suggests a tighter arrangement.