language group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "language group" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a collection of languages that are related and have similar characteristics, such as vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Example: In our linguistics class, we studied various language groups, such as the Indo-European group and the Afro-Asiatic group.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Aboriginal Language Group: Brataualang.

The New Yorker

Their languages are part of the Altaic language group.

The New York Times

The language group Cymuned has taken exception to her diatribe.

The Guardian

No other language group reveres a writer as 250 million Bengali-speakers do Tagore.

The Guardian - Opinion

To the pained listeners, it seemed that they were no longer part of this language group.

The New Yorker

Most Katukina speak only the tribal variant of pano, a native Amazonian language group.

The New York Times

Mr. Kamara's native language is Kuranko, part of the Manden language group in West Africa.

The New York Times

They tend to live semi-ghettoised, as in Shiva Shakti Nagar, within the same language group.

The Economist

The term used by scholars for the language group it belongs to is Turkic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The language group is a small one, with total speakers estimated at some 5,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The law prohibits discrimination against members of a racial or minority-language group.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the historical relationships between languages, use "language family" instead of "language group" for more precision.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "language group" corresponds directly to a specific ethnic group. While language and ethnicity are often related, they are not always mutually inclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "language group" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a collection of languages sharing common features. Ludwig examples show it in various contexts, such as referring to specific groups like the 'Germanic language group' or general categories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "language group" is a common and grammatically correct term used to classify languages based on shared characteristics or origins. Ludwig's analysis, including the examples provided, shows that it is frequently used in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. Alternative terms, such as "language family", offer more specific meanings related to common ancestry. While generally appropriate for neutral and formal contexts, it's important to avoid confusing language groups with ethnicity. The AI confirms the validity of the term and its diverse application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of languages

A more general and less technical way to refer to related languages.

cluster of languages

Highlights the close proximity and relatedness of languages.

linguistic grouping

Focuses on the act of grouping languages together based on shared characteristics.

language family

A more specific term that refers to languages descended from a common ancestor.

language stock

Similar to language family, emphasizing the shared origin of languages.

linguistic affiliation

Focuses on the relationship and connection between different languages.

dialect continuum

Emphasizes the gradual change between dialects across a geographic area.

speech community

Refers to a group of people who share a common language or dialect and its norms.

linguistic community

Highlights the shared language and cultural identity of a group of people.

language branch

Refers to a subdivision within a language family.

FAQs

How do I use "language group" in a sentence?

You can use "language group" to refer to a collection of languages that share common characteristics or origins. For example: "The Germanic "language group" includes English, German, and Dutch."

What's the difference between "language family" and "language group"?

"Language family" is a more specific term referring to languages descended from a common ancestor, while "language group" is a broader term that can refer to languages with shared features or geographical proximity. You might also consider alternatives such as "linguistic grouping" depending on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "language group"?

Depending on the context, you could use "language family", "linguistic community", or "cluster of languages".

Is it correct to use "language group" when referring to dialects?

While "language group" typically refers to distinct languages, it can be used loosely to describe a group of closely related dialects. However, using terms like "dialect continuum" might be more appropriate to highlight the gradual change between these dialects.