fickle lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fickle lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are inconsistent or changeable in their opinions or behaviors. Example: "The audience was a fickle lot, cheering one moment and booing the next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A FICKLE lot, revolutionaries.

The Economist

Politicians are a fickle lot.

The Economist

Bond traders are a dangerously fickle lot.

The New York Times

What a fickle lot they are.

The Guardian - Sport

New Yorkers are a fickle lot, especially when it comes to food.

The Economist

SPORTS car buyers are a fickle lot, their purchases rising and falling with the economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For McClanahan's lot, fickle fate is all.

The New York Times - Books

It is greatest and growing fastest among Tory and Labour voters, not just among the poor disfranchised Liberals who are a fickle job-lot of voters anyway, nor among the Scottish and Welsh nationalists who could yet benefit (temporarily) by the present system.

The Economist

"Those championships are so fickle, and a lot of things go into it," Dungy said.

The New York Times

"Voters are fickle and a lot can happen in the computers in three weeks with their opponents and stuff.

The New York Times

Some came in handy, I found, but babies are a fickle, ever-changing lot, and what works one time seems hopeless the next.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fickle lot", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is being described as changeable. Provide specific examples to support the assertion of fickleness.

Common error

Avoid using "fickle lot" to describe situations or objects; it's best applied to groups of people or entities capable of changing their minds or behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fickle lot" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or appositive. It serves to characterize a group or collection of individuals as being unreliable or prone to change. Ludwig examples demonstrate usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fickle lot" is a common and acceptable way to describe a group of people who are prone to change their minds or loyalties unpredictably. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "unpredictable group" or "capricious bunch" exist, "fickle lot" carries a specific connotation of unreliability that can be particularly effective in certain situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly supports the attribution of fickleness and avoid applying it to inanimate objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictable group

Focuses on the inability to foresee their actions or opinions.

capricious bunch

Highlights the impulsiveness and whimsical nature of the group.

mercurial crowd

Emphasizes the rapid and dramatic changes in their mood or behavior.

unreliable set

Stresses the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

wavering faction

Implies a lack of commitment or stability within a particular group.

flighty assembly

Suggests a tendency to change interests or affections easily.

mutable cohort

Highlights the group's capacity for change and adaptation.

changeable crew

Focuses on the group's tendency to shift their preferences or loyalties.

erratic collection

Highlights the lack of pattern or consistency in their behavior.

volatile segment

Emphasizes the potential for sudden and disruptive changes within the group.

FAQs

How can I use "fickle lot" in a sentence?

You can use "fickle lot" to describe a group of people who are inconsistent or changeable. For example: "The audience was a "fickle lot", cheering one moment and booing the next."

What is the meaning of "fickle lot"?

"Fickle lot" describes a group of people who are prone to changing their minds or loyalties, often unpredictably.

What can I say instead of "fickle lot"?

You can use alternatives like "unpredictable group", "capricious bunch", or "mercurial crowd" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe an object as a "fickle lot"?

The term "fickle lot" is best suited for describing groups of people or entities that can exhibit changeable behavior or opinions. It's generally not appropriate for inanimate objects.