contingent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contingent of' is not correct and usable in written English.
It does not have a clear and defined meaning, so it is not consider an accepted phrase. If you want to use a phrase that conveys a similar meaning, you could use something like 'group of' or 'collection of'. For example: "The research team was a large collection of talented scientists."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- to his devoted contingent of assistants.

The New York Times - Arts

The usual contingent of English-speaking journalists is here.

The New York Times

Almost every biennial includes a contingent of influential elders.

The New York Times - Arts

Just then, a large contingent of Dutchmen approaches the Indians.

The New Yorker

There's a huge online contingent of students seeking homework help.

The New York Times - Tech

Turns out, there is a vocal contingent of bestiality enthusiasts.

The Guardian - Opinion

They led a contingent of several hundred down the street.

The New York Times

There is a contingent of GCHQ at NSA Menwith Hill.

The Guardian

Mr. Bush eventually approved sending a contingent of 200 marines.

The New York Times

The Met has a contingent of tradition-minded patrons.

The New York Times - Arts

A small contingent of people with a plump young man.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "contingent of" with clearer and more direct alternatives such as "group of", "team of", or "collection of" to improve readability and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "contingent of" when a simpler phrase can convey the same meaning more effectively. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnatural and less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contingent of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, aiming to specify a subset or group within a larger entity. It intends to describe a group or body of people/things that are part of or associated with something bigger. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contingent of" is frequently used to denote a group or subset, especially within news and media contexts. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically incorrect. While its intended purpose is to specify a group sharing characteristics or associations, simpler alternatives such as "group of", "team of", or "collection of" often provide greater clarity and directness. These alternatives reduce the risk of misinterpretation and contribute to a more natural and accessible writing style. Therefore, while "contingent of" isn't inherently wrong, mindful substitution can enhance the overall quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of

Replaces "contingent" with a more common and direct term for a collection of items or people.

collection of

Emphasizes the act of gathering or assembling, which is a subtle shift of nuance.

team of

Specifically refers to a group of people working together, replacing the more general "contingent".

detachment of

Implies a group that is separated or sent out for a specific purpose, adding a nuance of mission or task.

body of

Emphasizes a consolidated or unified group.

squad of

Suggests a small group, typically with a formal or military connotation.

party of

Suggests a group assembled for a specific event or purpose, changing the implied context.

batch of

Refers to a set of items produced or dealt with at one time, shifting the focus from people to things.

segment of

Indicates a portion or division, changing the focus from a discrete group to a section of a whole.

number of

Offers a more neutral and quantitative way to express a group, omitting the implication of being part of a larger whole.

FAQs

What does "contingent of" mean?

While commonly used, "contingent of" generally refers to a group of people or things that are part of a larger assembly or associated with a particular purpose. Consider using "group of" for clarity.

What can I say instead of "contingent of"?

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

Is "contingent of" grammatically correct?

While "contingent of" is frequently used, it is considered by some, including Ludwig AI, to be grammatically questionable. Opting for simpler alternatives like "group of" can improve clarity.

How can I use "contingent of" in a sentence?

If you choose to use "contingent of", ensure the context is clear and the meaning is precise. However, it's often better to use a more direct phrase, such as "A "group of" protesters gathered outside the building."