ensemble cast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ensemble cast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of actors in a film, television show, or theater production where no single actor has a leading role, and all have significant parts. Example: "The movie features an ensemble cast, including several well-known actors who each bring their unique talents to the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Friends employed an ensemble cast.

The Guardian

I was told it's an ensemble cast.

The New York Times

And it's a proper ensemble cast.

The Guardian - Film

Gaye Taylor Upchurch directs an ensemble cast.

The New Yorker

A young actress was featured in the ensemble cast.

The New York Times

Now "Word" is reimagined for an ensemble cast of six.

The New York Times - Arts

The ensemble cast includes Ben Barnes, Kit Harington and Alicia Vikander.

Independent

Anjelica Huston, Natalie Portman, Irrfan Khan and Bill Murray round out the ensemble cast.

The New York Times

The strong ensemble cast includes François Cluzet, Jean Dujardin and Marion Cotillard.

The New York Times

Its ensemble cast has no eye-catching names.

The New York Times

Each of the ensemble cast deserved their cheers.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey; "ensemble cast" suggests a balance and collaboration among the actors. If that's not accurate, a different term might be more suitable.

Common error

Don't use "ensemble cast" to describe a production with a clear lead actor and supporting roles; this term implies a more egalitarian distribution of screen time and narrative importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ensemble cast" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to describe a group of actors where all members have significant roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ensemble cast" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a group of actors in a production where all members have significant roles. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. As the analysis shows, its primary use is to inform audiences about the collaborative structure of the acting roles, emphasizing a balance and equality among the actors. While versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the context reflects a genuine distribution of importance among the actors rather than a production led by a single star. Alternative phrases like "group of actors" or "collaborative cast" can offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the specific roles within the production.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collaborative cast

Highlights the cooperation and teamwork among the actors.

balanced cast

Suggests an equal distribution of importance among the actors' roles.

group of actors

Focuses on the collective nature of the actors without emphasizing the equality of their roles.

company of players

Emphasizes the theatrical aspect and the collaborative effort of the actors.

featured players

Highlights that each actor has a significant role.

collection of actors

A neutral term indicating a group of actors without specific connotations.

acting troupe

Refers to a company of actors, often with a long-standing history.

performing group

A more general term that refers to any group of performers, not necessarily actors.

supporting cast

While often used in conjunction with lead actors, it can also describe a group where everyone is 'supporting' each other's roles.

cast of characters

More broadly refers to the characters in a story, rather than specifically the actors.

FAQs

How can I use "ensemble cast" in a sentence?

You can say, "The play boasts an "ensemble cast" of talented actors", or "The film is known for its strong "ensemble cast" where each actor contributes significantly to the story."

What are some alternatives to using "ensemble cast"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "group of actors", "company of players", or "collaborative cast".

Is it appropriate to use "ensemble cast" when there's a clear lead actor?

Generally, "ensemble cast" implies a balance among actors with no single dominant lead. If there is a clear lead, consider using "cast" or "group of actors" instead.

What distinguishes an "ensemble cast" from a regular cast?

An "ensemble cast" highlights the equal importance and collaborative nature of the actors' roles, whereas a regular cast may include a lead actor with supporting characters. The distinction lies in the prominence and contribution of each actor to the production.