lump together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lump together" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of clumping multiple objects, ideas, or people into a single group. For example, "Many people seem to lump all video games together, not taking into consideration their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also lump together risks and benefits.

The New York Times

Can you really lump together parents of newborns to parents of 30-year-olds?

University of California, Berkeley

Thus you lump together clear opposites, obfuscating the reality of the issue.

The Economist

But she worried it might lump together people with different needs.

The New York Times

Under the waivers, schools can lump together several low-performing groups in one category.

The New York Times

Then there's the rise of the groups we lump together as "others".

The Guardian - Opinion

There must be a better way of arguing back than to lump together those who argue with those who shoot.

The Economist

Opponents of abortion and the morning-after pill, which they lump together, say the real number is much higher.

The New York Times

Herpetology as a unified science apparently stems from the ancient tendency to lump together all creeping (Greek herpetos) animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those categories can variously lump together everything from temporary camps and housing repairs to tissues and snacks.

The Guardian

A French official said the political aim of the ministers, was to lump together all European military and aerospace activities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lump together" when you want to emphasize the act of treating distinct items or groups as a single, often undifferentiated, entity. Be mindful of potential oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "lump together" when discussing sensitive topics where nuances and individual differences are crucial. Overgeneralization can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate representations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lump together" functions as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. It describes the act of combining separate entities into a single group, often implying a lack of differentiation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lump together" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of grouping distinct items or concepts into a single category. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While useful for categorization, it's essential to be aware of potential oversimplification and to avoid using it in contexts requiring nuanced understanding. Alternatives like "group together", "combine", or "merge" can provide more precise descriptions depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group together

Replaces "lump" with "group", emphasizing the act of forming a group.

combine

Focuses on the act of joining multiple items into one.

merge

Suggests a blending or integration of elements.

aggregate

Emphasizes the collection of items into a single mass or sum.

pool

Implies a shared resource or collection.

consolidate

Highlights the strengthening effect of combining.

bundle

Suggests items are tied or packaged together.

amalgamate

Formal term for mixing or blending different elements.

cluster

Emphasizes forming a group around a central point.

unite

Stresses the coming together for a common purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "lump together" to describe the act of grouping different items or ideas as one. For example, "People often "lump together" all types of mental health issues, which can be harmful."

What does "lump together" mean?

The phrase "lump together" means to group different things or people together, often without acknowledging their individual differences or characteristics.

What can I say instead of "lump together"?

You can use alternatives like "group together", "combine", or "merge" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "lump together" items?

Not always. While it can imply oversimplification, sometimes it's necessary for categorization or analysis. However, be cautious of ignoring important distinctions when you "lump together" elements.