group of three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "group of three" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a collection or set of three items, people, or concepts. Example: "The committee was formed by a group of three experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"From that group of three, one will be chosen.

The New York Times - Sports

A triplet or tercet is a group of three lines.

The Guardian - Books

Sitting across from them is a group of three girls.

The New Yorker

Around US$100 for a group of three.

The Guardian - Travel

He's about 1min 30sec behind the leading group of three.

The Guardian - Sport

"There was a kind of poor photo of a group of three steles," Ms. Russmann recalled.

The New York Times

"There was a group of three soldiers, two black and one white," Ramadan Aziz, 42, said.

The New York Times

Then I noticed a group of three lads also laughing, perhaps a little too hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord Oakeshott, the Liberal Democrat peer, described them as the "group of three croupiers".

The Guardian - Business

This past weekend, a group of three undulating glass towers suddenly appeared.

The New York Times

A group of three or four are laughing by the hors d'oeuvres.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a small team or unit, use "group of three" for clarity and simplicity, especially when the specific roles or relationships within the group are important.

Common error

In formal writing or technical reports, consider using more precise terms like "triad" or "triumvirate" if they accurately reflect the specific nature or function of the three-member entity. This adds a layer of sophistication and avoids repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "group of three" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in describing collections of people, objects, or concepts. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "group of three" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English to denote a collection of three entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its primary function is descriptive, serving to identify a quantity across numerous contexts, from news reports and academic papers to casual discussions. While appropriate for general use, more specific terms like "trio" or "triad" might be suitable in formal scenarios. "Group of three" is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, making it a versatile phrase for everyday and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trio

Replaces "group of three" with a concise term specifically indicating a set of three.

set of three

Emphasizes the collection aspect of having three items.

triplet

Implies a group of three that are similar or related in some way.

threesome

Often used when referring to a group of three people, sometimes with romantic or suggestive connotations.

cluster of three

Highlights the closeness or proximity of the three items or individuals.

a triad

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

a trinity

Suggests a group of three that are somehow united or inseparable.

a triple

A simpler way to say a set of three.

a triumvirate

Refers to a group of three people sharing power or authority.

a leash of three

An older or more specialized term, particularly for animals.

FAQs

How can I use "group of three" in a sentence?

You can use "group of three" to describe a collection of three people or things. For example, "A group of three students worked on the project together" or "The painting featured a group of three trees".

What are some alternatives to "group of three"?

Alternatives include "trio", "set of three", or, depending on context, "triplet".

Is it ever incorrect to use "group of three"?

While grammatically correct, "group of three" can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "trio", especially in formal writing. Context is important.

What's the difference between "group of three" and "trio"?

"Group of three" is a descriptive phrase, while "trio" is a more concise noun that specifically means a group of three, often in the context of music or performing arts. Using either depends on desired tone and clarity.