cluster of crackpots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cluster of crackpots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are considered eccentric or have unconventional ideas, often in a dismissive manner. Example: "The conference was filled with a cluster of crackpots who believed in conspiracy theories without any evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As we wrote last year, the campaign is no longer the preserve of crackpots.

The Economist

This gives us the most cracked of crackpots.

The Guardian - Books

ONCE derided as the scheming of crackpots, the campaign for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel, widely known as BDS, is turning mainstream.

The Economist

A thousand years ago a whole slew of crackpots and religious movements rose up and predicted the end of the world.

Forbes

And, as it turns out, we elect a lot of crackpots to office.

Huffington Post

A cluster of pathologies?

The New York Times - Books

A cluster of barnacles?

Huffington Post

A splendid cornucopia of crackpot theories.

The Guardian - Books

This project borders on the edge of crackpot".

The New York Times - Magazine

What light could I possibly shed on this type of crackpot behavior since, contrary to popular belief, I am not a hypochondriac but a totally different genus of crackpot?

The New York Times

And Bellow was open to a lot of crackpot stuff, Reichian therapy, orgasmatrons, anthroposophy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cluster of crackpots", be aware of the negative connotation. Use it when you want to express strong disagreement or disapproval of a group's ideas or behaviors. Ensure the context supports such a strong stance.

Common error

Avoid using "cluster of crackpots" in formal or academic writing, as it is generally considered too informal and pejorative. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "group of eccentrics" or "collection of unconventional thinkers" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cluster of crackpots" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a group of individuals perceived as eccentric, foolish, or holding unconventional beliefs. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase has a strong negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Books

17%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

17%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cluster of crackpots" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of people perceived as eccentric or holding unconventional, often nonsensical, beliefs. As Ludwig AI points out, it carries a strong negative connotation and is best suited for informal contexts where the speaker intends to express disapproval or ridicule. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare, and its use should be carefully considered, especially in formal writing. Semantically related alternatives include "group of eccentrics" and "collection of oddballs", which offer a less pejorative tone. Remember to gauge the context and audience before deploying this colorful, but potentially offensive, phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of eccentrics

Replaces "crackpots" with a more neutral term, focusing on their unconventional nature.

collection of oddballs

Uses a more informal term for unconventional people, implying they are slightly strange.

assemblage of kooks

Replaces "crackpots" with a slang term, suggesting they are quite eccentric or mad.

gathering of cranks

Uses a slightly archaic term for eccentric people with strong opinions.

band of zealots

Implies the group is intensely devoted to a particular cause or belief.

circle of fanatics

Suggests the group is excessively enthusiastic and possibly irrational.

coterie of obsessives

Focuses on the group's intense focus on a particular subject or activity.

league of lunatics

Emphasizes the group's perceived insanity or irrationality.

congregation of heretics

Implies the group holds beliefs that are contrary to accepted doctrines.

a menagerie of nutcases

Uses a more colorful and exaggerated term for the group's eccentricity.

FAQs

How can I use "cluster of crackpots" in a sentence?

You can use "cluster of crackpots" to describe a group of people with eccentric or unconventional ideas. For example, "The conference was filled with a "cluster of crackpots" who believed in conspiracy theories without any evidence."

What's a less offensive way to say "cluster of crackpots"?

Consider using phrases like "group of eccentrics", "collection of unconventional thinkers", or "assembly of unorthodox individuals" to convey a similar meaning without the strong negative connotation.

Is it appropriate to use "cluster of crackpots" in academic writing?

No, "cluster of crackpots" is generally not appropriate for academic writing due to its informal and pejorative nature. Stick to more neutral and objective language.

What is the difference between "cluster of crackpots" and "group of innovators"?

"Cluster of crackpots" implies that the group's ideas are foolish or misguided, while "group of innovators" suggests that the group is creative and forward-thinking. The key difference lies in the perceived value and potential of their ideas.