cluster of islands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cluster of islands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a geographical formation consisting of multiple islands grouped together in a specific area. Example: "The Caribbean is known for its beautiful cluster of islands, each offering unique attractions and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The Portuguese handed over the cluster of islands and fishing villages that constituted Bombay to the British in the 17th century.

The Guardian

Next we're off to Banda, a tiny cluster of islands in the Moluccas at the far eastern end of Indonesia, for another family adventure.

The Guardian - Travel

Travel between the islands is prohibitively expensive, and so Foster had little choice but to pick a team from Yap, the cluster of islands where he is based.

The Guardian - Sport

It has exploded into a metropolitan area of 1.5 million inhabitants reaching far beyond the romantic old capital on a cluster of islands in Lake Malaren.

The New York Times - Food

With more than six thousand people per square kilometer packed into a cluster of islands, Hong Kong takes the H1N1-flu virus seriously.

The New Yorker

That doesn't fit modern Ithaca, which is mountainous and the easternmost of the cluster of islands in the Ionian Sea.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The two clusters of islands will yield 80 miles of beach for housing and hotel development.

The New York Times

It could also pave the way to apply similar logic to other low-lying clusters of islands.

The Guardian

In addition, five possible cryptic species complexes are flagged for further investigation, based on weak support for unified clustering of island populations: H. anthracinus, H. connectens, H. kukui, H. specularis, and H. volatilis.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Eilean nan Caorach, Eilean Loch Oscair, Inn Island, Eilean Droineach and Eilean Ramsay are amongst another cluster of small islands off the north coast.

Wikipedia

The nation comprises a cluster of main islands within a single outer reef, plus a group of low limestone islands that lie 300 km to the southwest (the southwest islands).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "cluster of islands", consider the spatial arrangement. Is it tightly packed, linear, or scattered? Choose a more specific term if the arrangement is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "cluster of islands" and "archipelago" interchangeably if you want to be precise. While they both refer to groups of islands, "cluster of islands" implies a less formally defined or recognized grouping than an archipelago, which is often a named geographical feature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cluster of islands" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It serves to identify and describe a specific geographical feature – a collection of islands located in proximity to each other. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cluster of islands" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe a group of islands located close together. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its communicative purpose is descriptive, aiming to help the reader visualize a specific geographical feature. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts might prefer the term "archipelago". Common usage contexts include news, science, and encyclopedias. Remember to consider the spatial arrangement of the islands when using this phrase, and avoid misusing "archipelago" as a direct substitute in all contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

island archipelago

Combines "island" with "archipelago" to reiterate that the archipelago consists of islands.

island group

A more general term, lacking the visual imagery of a closely packed group.

group of islets

Replaces "islands" with "islets", implying smaller landmasses.

collection of islands

Emphasizes the gathering of islands, similar to "cluster" but less visually evocative.

archipelago

A more formal and technical term for a group of islands.

assemblage of islands

A more formal alternative to "collection", suggesting a deliberate grouping.

chain of islands

Implies a linear arrangement, unlike the more random distribution suggested by "cluster".

string of islands

Similar to "chain", implying a linear, connected arrangement.

island complex

Suggests a more intricate and interconnected system of islands.

scattered islands

Focuses on the distribution pattern, suggesting a less dense grouping.

FAQs

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

You can use "cluster of islands" to describe a group of islands that are located close together. For example, "The tour took us through a beautiful "cluster of islands" in the Aegean Sea."

What's a more formal way to say "cluster of islands"?

A more formal term for "cluster of islands" is "archipelago". This term is often used in geographical and scientific contexts.

Is there a difference between a "cluster of islands" and a "group of islands"?

The terms "cluster of islands" and "group of islands" are largely interchangeable. However, "cluster of islands" may suggest a tighter, more concentrated grouping, whereas "group of islands" is a more general term.

Can I use "cluster of islands" to describe continents?

No, "cluster of islands" specifically refers to groups of islands, which are landmasses smaller than continents. A more appropriate term for continents would be "landmass" or "continental mass".