huddled together

USAGE SUMMARY

'huddled together' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a group of people huddled together in a small, enclosed space. For example, "The refugees huddled together in the corner of the room, trying to stay warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These shelters were huddled together in groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For nearly 16 hours, they huddled together.

The New York Times

Their crew huddled together, ashen-faced.

The Washington Post

Soldiers huddled together, talking and smoking.

The New York Times

"They huddled together and they maintained silence," she said.

The New York Times

As the groups huddled together for pictures, Hannah beamed.

The New York Times - Sports

The prisoners huddled together for days to fight off hypothermia.

The New York Times

Parents found the bodies of their children huddled together.

The New Yorker

Huddled together, they watch dawn break over the horizon.

The Guardian - Arts

Ulises glanced over at Mollie's family, huddled together nearby.

The Washington Post

Sasha, Elya, Alisa, and a fourth friend had huddled together.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "huddled together" to vividly describe groups seeking warmth, safety, or solidarity in challenging situations.

Common error

Avoid using "huddled together" when simply describing people standing near each other. It implies a need for comfort, protection, or secrecy rather than casual proximity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "huddled together" is a verb phrase, functioning as a predicate or part of a predicate within a clause. It describes the action of a group drawing close for a specific purpose, often emphasizing vulnerability or unity. As shown by Ludwig, the examples often illustrate moments of crisis or intimacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "huddled together" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that vividly describes people or animals gathering closely. As confirmed by Ludwig, it conveys a sense of unity, vulnerability, or the need for warmth and protection. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing, and is generally considered grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Understanding its connotations and common usage patterns ensures effective and accurate deployment in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clustered together

Emphasizes a close grouping, similar to a cluster of grapes or stars.

gathered closely

Highlights the act of coming together into a tight group.

grouped tightly

Focuses on the compactness and density of the group.

close together

A more general term for physical proximity.

packed together

Implies a large number of individuals in a confined space.

crowded together

Suggests a lack of space and some discomfort.

snuggled together

Emphasizes warmth and affection in the closeness.

herded together

Suggests a guiding force bringing the group together, often implying a lack of individual will.

congregated closely

A more formal way of saying gathered closely.

bunched together

Suggests a less organized, more random grouping.

FAQs

How can I use "huddled together" in a sentence?

"Huddled together" describes a group of people or animals gathered closely, often for warmth, protection, or comfort. For example, "The refugees "huddled together" in the corner, trying to stay warm."

What does "huddled together" imply?

The phrase "huddled together" suggests a sense of vulnerability, fear, or need for mutual support. It often indicates that individuals are facing a difficult or threatening situation.

What can I say instead of "huddled together"?

You can use alternatives like "clustered together", "gathered closely", or "grouped tightly" depending on the context.

Is "huddled together" formal or informal?

"Huddled together" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive or narrative writing.