fictitious group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fictitious group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group that is not real or does not exist, often in contexts such as literature, research, or discussions about hypothetical scenarios. Example: "In the study, the researchers created a fictitious group to analyze the effects of social dynamics on decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Al-Owali, the would-be suicide bomber, admitted he was told to make a videotape of himself using the name of the same fictitious group.

The New York Times

The record company decided to release it nonetheless as the A-side of a 45 by Steam, a fictitious group name the two men invented for the record.

The New York Times

In those searches, a number of documents were found including claims of responsibility for the East African bombings in the name of a fictitious group, "The Islamic Army for the Liberation of the Holy Places".

The New York Times

This appeal to the rights of a fictitious group of people that the police perceive to be in danger, in this case from a group of cyclists, is used to derogate the rights they otherwise claim to afford to protesters.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a movie that invites damaging comparisons with Fritz Lang's M, Berkowitz is a shadowy background figure with the foreground occupied by a fictitious group of macho blue-collar Italian-Americans who form a vigilante group and target as Sam-suspect an innocent punk rocker.

The Guardian - Film

Previous playdates for this fictitious group of near-feral childhood friends involve such activities as beating an alley dog to death with a stick, lifting weights while smoking cigars at age nine, and a vigorous workshopping of methods for overcoming the obstacle of rolled razor wire.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

About $14,000 of that sum was funneled through two fictitious groups: the New York Foundation for Community Development and the American Association of Concerned Veterans.

The New York Times

The city's unforgiving tabloids were feasting on revelations that the Council had stashed money in appropriations for fictitious groups.

The New York Times

As far back as the 1870s, a grand jury in Hudson County indicted two police commissioners accused of awarding contracts to fictitious groups.

The New York Times

But last fall, she said, she learned that not only was the practice continuing but that the money was being parked in accounts named for fictitious groups.

The New York Times

A federal investigation into the City Council's appropriation of funds to fictitious groups should conclude within 90 days, a prosecutor said on Thursday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fictitious group" in scenarios where anonymity or confidentiality is paramount, such as in research or data analysis, to prevent unintended associations with real entities.

Common error

Avoid using "fictitious group" when referring to a single, personal, imaginary companion. "Imaginary friend" is more appropriate in that context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fictitious group" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "fictitious" modifies the noun "group". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fictitious group" is a grammatically correct and usable term, often employed to describe a group that is not real, either for hypothetical scenarios in research or within fictional narratives. Ludwig AI affirms its appropriate usage in written English. Its primary function is to indicate non-existence or creation for a specific purpose. While not exceptionally common, it finds frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts, ensuring its understanding across diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imaginary group

This alternative emphasizes the imaginative or unreal nature of the group.

hypothetical group

This suggests the group exists only as a possibility for discussion or analysis.

nonexistent group

This directly states that the group does not exist in reality.

made-up group

This emphasizes the creation or fabrication of the group.

fictional organization

This alternative replaces "group" with "organization", implying a more structured, but still unreal, entity.

artificial collective

This uses more formal language to describe a group that is not naturally occurring.

simulated team

This suggests the group is created for a simulation or experiment.

illusory association

This highlights the deceptive or unreal quality of the group's existence.

notional band

This phrase emphasizes that the group is merely an idea or concept, without physical existence.

invented association

This stresses that the group was created or designed for a particular purpose, rather than arising organically.

FAQs

How can I use "fictitious group" in a sentence?

You can use "fictitious group" to describe a group that is not real, such as "The study used a "fictitious group" to analyze decision-making processes".

What are some alternatives to "fictitious group"?

Alternatives include "imaginary group", "hypothetical group", or "nonexistent group", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "fictitious group" in formal writing?

Yes, "fictitious group" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or research contexts where hypothetical scenarios are discussed.

What's the difference between a "fictitious group" and an "imaginary group"?

While similar, "fictitious group" often implies a more structured, deliberate creation for a specific purpose (like research or storytelling), whereas "imaginary group" may suggest a group existing solely in one's imagination.