merry band

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merry band" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cheerful or lively group of people, often in a playful or whimsical context. Example: "The merry band of travelers set off on their adventure, singing songs and sharing stories along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Americans do not trust his merry band.

The New York Times

This is indeed a merry band.

The New York Times

Bamboo is being lashed together with colorful rope by a merry band of climbers.

The New Yorker

As the clock wound down, so did the energy level of the merry band of impostors.

The New York Times - Sports

You report that now even a merry band of neoconservatives is suggesting a withdrawal from Iraq.

The New York Times

Nigel Farage and his merry band will do well in the European elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let Leslie Knope and her merry band lead you to a kinder, more optimistic America.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And they admitted that their merry band of rebels would benefit from some Republican reinforcements.

The New York Times

Yet Masters's thorough but frequently unsifted reporting doesn't really bear out these claims... What a merry band the tycoons were.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's about a not-so-merry band of small-town buffoons executing a not-so-perfect crime.

Huffington Post

If you, the reader, would like more papers critiqued, or even to join our 'merry band of reporters', contact us on.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merry band" to add a touch of whimsy or lightheartedness to your writing, especially when describing a group engaged in a shared activity or adventure. Consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "merry band" in highly formal or serious contexts, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more neutral terms like "group", "team", or "company" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merry band" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a group of people characterized by their cheerfulness or joviality. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merry band" is a noun phrase used to describe a cheerful and often lively group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While grammatically sound and frequently used, its informal connotation makes it less suitable for highly formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase evokes camaraderie and shared purpose. Alternatives include "jovial group", "cheerful company", and "happy crew", offering nuanced options depending on the desired level of formality and emotional tone. As such, use the term "merry band" to describe a "merry band"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jovial group

Replaces "merry" with "jovial", emphasizing cheerfulness and good humor. It is slightly more formal.

cheerful company

Substitutes "band" with "company", suggesting a group gathered for a shared purpose. "Cheerful" highlights happiness.

happy crew

Uses "happy" for "merry", focusing on joy, and "crew" for "band", implying a team or group working together.

spirited group

Emphasizes the energy and enthusiasm of the group, replacing "merry" with "spirited".

lively bunch

Replaces "band" with "bunch", suggesting a more informal and casual group. "Lively" emphasizes their energy and activity.

convivial gathering

Replaces both words with synonyms that create a more formal tone; "convivial" relates to friendliness and liveliness in a social setting, and "gathering" replaces band.

joyful assembly

Uses "joyful" to describe their happiness and assembly to describe a group coming together. More formal.

festive troupe

Implies that the group is associated with celebration or performance with the use of "festive" and "troupe".

blissful coterie

Coterie describes a close-knit and exclusive group, while blissful implies happiness. This alternative has a stronger emphasis on exclusivity.

gleeful throng

This suggests a large, excited group, replacing "band" with "throng" and "merry" with "gleeful", implying a crowd full of happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "merry band" in a sentence?

Use "merry band" to describe a group of people who are cheerful and often working together on something, for example: "The explorers were a "merry band", eager to discover new lands".

What are some alternatives to "merry band"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "jovial group", "cheerful company", or "happy crew".

Is "merry band" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "merry band" is generally more appropriate for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "group" or "team".

What connotations does "merry band" have?

"Merry band" typically suggests a group that is not only together but also cheerful, lively, and perhaps even a bit mischievous or unconventional.