notional group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notional group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to linguistics, grammar, or theoretical discussions where groups of words or phrases are considered in a conceptual manner. Example: "In the sentence, the notional group 'a large number of students' serves as the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

According to reports, the chancellor's autumn statement next week will include promises specifically targeting this notional group of modest grafters so beloved by politicians - now being referred to in Whitehall as "jams".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The lower section of 10 counties would be split into two notional regional groups, playing others twice but some once.

The Guardian - Sport

Alejandro Sabella had rejigged his starting XI here against the group's notional minnows, fielding the more attacking 4-3-3 formation a group of senior players had advocated, successfully, at half-time in the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, the (notional) Sioux tribe encompassed a diverse group of linguistic and political entities; ironically, none of these ever used the ethnonym (self-name) Sioux.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Aksa group has ignored the notional cease-fire to carry out shootings that have killed at least nine Israeli civilians since Jan .14, when one of the group's leaders was slain by a hidden bomb.

The New York Times

The show's young curators, Joachim Pissarro, of the Department of Painting and Sculpture, and Eva Respini, of the Department of Photography, have grouped works by formal or notional affinity rather than by chronology.

The New Yorker

We found this could be achieved in the intervention group within 4 months, also suggesting the notional 6 month cut-off for assessment of the primary outcome was a reasonable comparison.

BMC Geriatrics

It is not yet clear if clinical commissioning groups themselves would allocate hard rather than notional budgets to each constituent practice.

British Medical Journal

I get it that a group of teen-agers singing a choral arrangement of "Rehab" is notionally funny; unfortunately, watching it is notional fun.

The New Yorker

In May, the Copenhagen Consensus, a group of respected economists, produced a list of the best ways to spend a notional $75 billion on improving global welfare.

The Economist

You could easily imagine the group — largely the project of the frontwoman Dee Dee, with what felt like at best notional input from others — emerging and disappearing at will, never wanting to leave a heavy mark.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notional group" to describe a group that exists more in theory or as a concept than in reality. This is particularly useful in academic, political, or economic contexts where abstract categorizations are common.

Common error

Avoid using "notional group" when you mean a group in name only, or a 'nominal group'. "Notional" implies something theoretical or conceptual, while "nominal" indicates something is so-called but not truly representative of its name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notional group" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "notional" modifies the noun "group". The adjective "notional" indicates that the group is conceptual, theoretical, or existing in name only, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "notional group" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a group that exists primarily as a concept or theory. According to Ludwig AI, its function is to categorize loosely defined entities. It appears frequently in news media and scientific publications. When writing, be mindful to use it in situations where you mean a group in theory rather than a real entity. Synonyms like "conceptual group" or "theoretical group" can be used for alternative phrasings depending on your audience, which is something to consider given that its register is neutral. Remember to distinguish this expression from "nominal group".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual group

Emphasizes the idea of a group existing as a concept or idea.

theoretical group

Focuses on the group being part of a theory or hypothetical situation.

nominal group

Highlights that the group exists in name only, possibly without real substance.

hypothetical group

Stresses that the group is based on a hypothesis or assumption.

presumed group

Suggests that the group is assumed to exist, though perhaps without solid evidence.

putative group

Indicates that the group is commonly accepted or supposed, but not definitively proven.

abstract group

Implies the group is an abstract entity rather than a concrete collection of individuals.

imaginary group

Highlights that the group exists only in imagination or fiction.

virtual group

Suggests a group existing online or in a non-physical space.

illusory group

Emphasizes the deceptive or misleading nature of the group's perceived existence.

FAQs

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

Use "notional group" to refer to a collection or grouping that exists primarily as an idea or concept, rather than a concrete or formally organized entity. For example: "The study focused on the impact of the policy on the notional group of low-income families".

What is the difference between "notional group" and "conceptual group"?

"Notional group" and "conceptual group" are quite similar, both referring to a group formed as a concept. "Notional" may slightly emphasize the theoretical or hypothetical nature, whereas "conceptual" more broadly suggests an abstract or idea-based grouping.

Are there contexts where "theoretical group" might be a better fit than "notional group"?

Yes, "theoretical group" might be preferable in explicitly scientific or academic settings where the group is part of a specific theory or model. "Notional group" has a broader applicability but can still be well-suited for describing concepts.

What are some potential synonyms for "notional group" that I can use?

Depending on the context, synonyms like "hypothetical group", "presumed group", or "virtual group" could serve as alternatives. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing a substitute.