clusters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clusters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to groups or collections of similar items, often in contexts like data analysis, biology, or geography. Example: "The data analysis revealed several clusters of related information that could help us understand the trends better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your job is to think about how those communities can start creating new clusters so that they can attract new businesses.

The New York Times

Early on, back when Underwood was a hungry whip who'd stab his own grandmother if it would inch him closer to power, you'd see him indiscriminately spraying bullets around at clusters of enemies in Call of Duty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The cities will be grouped in geographical clusters.

The Guardian - Sport

In a wave of postwar optimism, everyone would work together on clusters of desks scattered across undivided floor-plates.

The Guardian - Arts

The machine learns where the best clusters are and can even move the boundaries as more data becomes available.

The Guardian

Brighton, Coventry and Portsmouth have been added to the list of areas needing support under the government's £40m grassroots counter-extremism strategy Prevent, after clusters of young men from the cities travelled to fight in Syria.

The Guardian

Instead of searching for individual pages, the new engine homes in on clusters of pages which are centred on the topic of interest.

The Guardian - Tech

The inclusion of slum clusters on the 2014-34 Mumbai Development Plan may very well be the biggest achievement of the various individuals involved in Open Mumbai.

The Guardian

In rural areas, individuals, clusters of houses and even small towns may find it financially viable to disconnect from the grid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each subsequent viewing reveals new clusters of characters, all absorbed in their own mini-dramas.

The Guardian - Arts

But for Robertson, Cereal Anytime's angle is portion size rather than sheer choice of flakes, loops and clusters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing geographic concentrations of industries or businesses, use "clusters" to convey the idea of interconnectedness and synergy among them.

Common error

While "clusters" is appropriate for technical or analytical discussions, simpler terms like "groups" or "bunches" may be more suitable in casual writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clusters" is as a noun, typically in the plural form. It serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to multiple entities grouped together. As Ludwig AI states, the word usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "clusters" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting collections of similar items or entities. Ludwig AI confirms that the use of the word is correct. It is frequently employed in news, business, and scientific contexts to describe groupings, concentrations, and interconnected entities. When writing, consider using "clusters" to convey the idea of interconnectedness or synergy, especially in discussions related to geographic or industrial concentrations. While generally appropriate for formal contexts, simpler terms may be preferable in casual writing. Alternatives include "groupings", "groups", and "collections" depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groupings

Emphasizes the act of forming groups, implying a deliberate arrangement.

group

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

collections

Implies a gathering of items, often with a specific purpose or theme.

assemblages

Suggests a collection of items brought together, often in a more formal or structured way.

aggregates

Refers to a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated.

accumulations

Implies a gradual gathering of items over time.

concentrations

Highlights the density or abundance of items in a specific area.

aggregations

Similar to "aggregates" but emphasizes the process of coming together.

bunches

Often used for items that are physically connected or held together.

clumps

Suggests a dense, compact grouping, often of a somewhat irregular shape.

FAQs

How can I use "clusters" in a sentence?

You can use "clusters" to refer to groupings of similar items, such as "The data revealed distinct clusters of customer preferences" or "The city has several clusters of tech companies".

What's a good alternative to "clusters" in academic writing?

Depending on the context, suitable alternatives include "groupings", "collections", or "concentrations". Choose the term that most accurately reflects the nature of the grouping.

Is "clusters" appropriate for formal business communication?

Yes, "clusters" is acceptable in formal business communication, especially when discussing industrial concentrations, market segments, or data analysis. However, ensure the term aligns with the overall tone and register of the communication.

What is the difference between "clusters" and "groups"?

While both terms refer to collections of items, "clusters" often implies a greater degree of interconnectedness or similarity among the items than "groups". "Clusters" also suggests a spatial or statistical relationship, while "groups" is more general.