foursome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foursome" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of four people, often in the context of activities like golf or social gatherings. Example: "We had a great time playing golf as a foursome last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If this sceptical foursome wins over another justice, that will give them a majority on the nine-member court.

The Economist

Even a year ago, "The Inbetweeners Movie" sent its hormone-addled central foursome on holiday to a Greek island.In some respects "Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa" follows in this tradition as its plot is far more hair-raising than the character's usual parochial indignities.

The Economist

As for Russia, it should never have been admitted to the foursome in the first place.

The Economist

The 10 tracks gave evidence that the Mancunian foursome could turn their hands to half-a-dozen styles, yet with frequent shifts of tempo and key changes in just one song—sound like no one else.Unlike contemporaries such as Roxy Music and Queen, however, 10cc were sartorially downbeat, as various appearances on "Top of the Pops" showed: no lamé or platforms for them, just jeans and jumpers.

The Economist

And Scooch, a foursome manufactured in 1999 and dropped by its record label in 2000, has also re-formed to compete.In this section A hot topic gets hotter Ripping off would-be greens?

The Economist

Obstinacy is not unusual in good architects: as weak members of the building foursome that includes also client, planner and engineer, they need a strong ego and a clear vision.

The Economist

This time, though, the firm might lose, for besides the Japanese foursome, most of the world's non-Japanese heavyweights including Samsung of South Korea and SGS-Thomson of Europe are backing Ramtron's technology.

The Economist

Here we offer an exemplary foursome.

The Economist

He coauthored and starred in the show with Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, and the foursome played to packed houses in Edinburgh, London, and New York City.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was relatively unknown in 1961 when the Los Angeles Rams selected him in the 14th round of the National Football League NFLL) draft, but he soon distinguished himself as the left defensive end of the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome," the moniker of the team's renowned defensive line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anonymous studio musicians supplied the backing on the "group's" records until the foursome, hoping to gain respectability, pushed for and got autonomy (including the opportunity to actually play their instruments) on the third Monkees album, Headquarters (1967).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context. The word "foursome" can sometimes refer to a sex act between four people. Be careful in sensitive contexts to specify "group of four".

Common error

Avoid using "foursome" when a more general term like "group of four" is more appropriate, especially in formal writing where the specific connotations of "foursome" may not be desired.

Linguistic Context

The word "foursome" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a group of four people. Ludwig indicates its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "foursome" correctly refers to a group of four individuals, often in the context of recreational activities or team sports like golf. While Ludwig confirms its general correctness and frequent usage, it is worth being mindful of the context, as it has a secondary, less common meaning. In formal or professional settings, opting for "group of four" might be preferable to avoid ambiguity. The word is mostly used in the categories of news and media and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of four

A more general term for a collection of four entities, lacking the specific connotations of "foursome".

foursome match

Specific to golf, denoting a match between two teams of two players.

quartet

Often used in the context of music or a group of four people performing together.

party of four

Commonly used in restaurants or social settings to indicate a group size.

set of four

Emphasizes the collection or arrangement of four items.

team of two pairs

Highlights the composition of two teams, each with two members, which is relevant in some sporting uses of "foursome".

the fab four

A specific reference to the Beatles, implying a famous and influential group of four.

quadruple

Implies something that is four times the size or amount.

tetrad

A more formal or technical term for a group of four.

quatern

A rare term which pertains to a set of four.

FAQs

How is the word "foursome" typically used?

The word "foursome" typically refers to a group of four people, often in the context of recreational activities like golf or social gatherings. It can also, less commonly, refer to a sex act between four people.

What are some alternatives to using "foursome"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "group of four", "quartet", or "party of four".

Is it appropriate to use "foursome" in formal writing?

While "foursome" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, it is advisable to use a more neutral term like "group of four" to avoid any potential ambiguity or misinterpretation.

What does "fearsome foursome" mean?

"Fearsome Foursome" is a moniker given to a notably formidable defensive line in American football, particularly associated with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1960s. It refers to a fearsome group of four players.