one group or another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one group or another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to any unspecified group among multiple options. Example: "In discussions about community issues, it often feels like one group or another is always left out of the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Graham Cundy, a former UK military officer with experience of special operations, told Reuters: "In situations like Syria, UK government priorities are far more about intelligence gathering and understanding what is going on, than in supplying one group or another.

Huffington Post

"The simple fact is the diversity of London is so great it is impossible to try and develop policies based on what might appeal to one group or another," said Livingstone, who is campaigning for Ed Miliband.

The Guardian

It's not for one group or another.

The New York Times

It wasn't worse for one group or another.

The Guardian

Still, most expect to keep playing in one group or another, as music teachers sometimes do.

The New York Times - Arts

We shouldn't play favorites between one group or another within Afghanistan.

The New York Times

"In this situation he should have pleased one group or another and he managed to please no one".

The New York Times

Third, we are all in this together, and blaming one group or another will not solve the problem.

The New York Times

I would suggest that one cannot simply decide that one group or another must never be part of a conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the rehearsal days and location can influence a singer to be in one group or another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He's bound to alienate one group or another--perhaps several--if he chooses from among the pool of politicians already in office.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one group or another" when you want to avoid specifying particular groups, emphasizing that the issue affects different groups in a general way.

Common error

Avoid using "one group or another" excessively in formal or academic writing. Consider more precise language to identify specific stakeholders or entities involved. Using stronger language will improve clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one group or another" functions as a generalizing expression, allowing speakers and writers to refer to unspecified or varied groups without needing to identify them precisely. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase helps avoid bias or premature accusations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one group or another" serves as a versatile phrase employed across various contexts, primarily in news and media, to refer to unspecified or varied groups. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as a generalizing expression that allows the speaker or writer to hedge statements, making it particularly useful when avoiding specific claims or accusations. While grammatically correct and very common, it’s advisable to use more precise language in formal writing where specific entities should be clearly identified. Consider alternatives like "some groups or others" or "any group or another" depending on the desired level of generality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one faction or another

Replaces "group" with "faction", implying a more organized or potentially conflicting division.

one side or another

Substitutes "group" with "side", suggesting opposing viewpoints or positions.

one party or another

Uses "party" instead of "group", often implying a formal organization or political affiliation.

some groups or others

Changes "one" to "some" and adds plurality, broadening the scope to multiple unspecified groups.

any group or another

Replaces "one" with "any", indicating a broader, less specific selection from available groups.

different groups

Focuses on the distinction between groups without specifying a choice.

various groups

Highlights the variety of groups, but doesn't necessarily imply a selection between them.

one set of people or another

Replaces "group" with the more descriptive "set of people", emphasizing the human element.

distinct groups

Emphasizes the separateness of the groups, rather than a choice between them.

competing interests

Shifts focus to the underlying motivations and goals of the groups, rather than the groups themselves.

FAQs

How can I use "one group or another" in a sentence?

You can use "one group or another" to refer to unspecified groups when discussing general trends, policies, or issues that might affect multiple communities. For example: "The new regulations are likely to upset "one group or another" regardless of the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "one group or another"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "some groups or others", "any group or another", or simply specifying "different groups" depending on the context.

Is "one group or another" formal or informal?

"One group or another" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for most contexts but may lack precision in formal writing where specifying exact groups is preferable.

What's the difference between "one group or another" and "specific groups"?

"One group or another" is used when you don't want to name particular groups or when the impact is widespread. "Specific groups", on the other hand, refers to identifiable entities or communities such as "students", "teachers", and "administrators".