pack of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pack of fools" is a commonly used expression in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people who are foolish or unwise, such as a group of people who make bad decisions or who act in an unreasonable way. For example, you could say, "That pack of fools in Congress has yet to make any progress on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

- Responding to an item from a few weeks ago regarding GOP "star" Marco Rubio not being entirely sure about how long the Earth's been around, Bill Nye explained exactly how old the planet is, essentially calling Rubio and his ilk "a pack of fools" in the process.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each regards the other as a pack of deluded fools," as one of the book's innumerable walk-ons, a Professor Svegli of the University of Pisa, puts it.

The New Yorker

And in "You Who Wronged," an accusatory poem directed at some tyrannical figure surrounded by a pack of obsequious fools, the singer's words are accompanied by pungent woodwind chorales.

The New York Times

It was a march of fools.

The New Yorker

You have collections of fools, called hackers, or whatever they're called.

Journal of Organization Design

The hatred of fools.

Vice

"Uh, pack of Kools.

The New Yorker

A pack of wolves.

The New York Times

Van Doren accurately attributes this to the character of Feste the fool, but he calls him a "mean-spirited clown," seeming to conflate the wise and enigmatic fool with the pedantic, stringent servant Malvolio, whose last, foreboding line is "I'll be reveng'd on the whole pack of you".

The New Yorker

6 pack of hefeweizen.

Los Angeles Times

Small pack of mints.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "pack of fools", consider your audience and the context. While it can be effective for expressing strong disapproval or frustration, it may be perceived as offensive or disrespectful in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "pack of fools" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral and objective language to maintain credibility and avoid alienating your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pack of fools" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a collective noun phrase. It describes a group of individuals characterized by foolishness or lack of intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pack of fools" is a grammatically sound, though somewhat informal, way to describe a group of people acting foolishly. While Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage, caution should be exercised in formal settings due to its potentially offensive nature. Consider alternatives like "group of idiots" or "bunch of nitwits" for less aggressive contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources but also in Wiki and Science, and should be avoided in Formal & Business scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gang of morons

Replaces "fools" with "morons", which is a stronger and more offensive term.

Group of idiots

Replaces "fools" with a more informal and derogatory term, "idiots".

Band of boneheads

Substitutes "fools" with "boneheads", offering a more lighthearted and colloquial alternative.

Bunch of nitwits

Substitutes "pack" with "bunch" and "fools" with "nitwits", offering a slightly more whimsical tone.

Collection of imbeciles

Employs more formal terms like "collection" and "imbeciles", increasing the intensity of the insult.

Crowd of simpletons

Replaces "pack" with "crowd" and "fools" with "simpletons", creating a slightly less harsh image.

Assembly of dunces

Uses more formal and archaic language, such as "assembly" and "dunces", for a more literary effect.

Drove of numbskulls

Uses a less common term, "numbskulls", adding a slightly humorous tone.

Cohort of blockheads

Employs a more specific term, "blockheads", to describe the group's lack of intelligence.

Circle of incompetents

Focuses on the group's lack of competence rather than intelligence.

FAQs

How can I use "pack of fools" in a sentence?

You can use "pack of fools" to describe a group of people acting foolishly. For example, "That "pack of fools" in Congress has yet to make any progress on the issue."

What's a less offensive way to say "pack of fools"?

Consider alternatives like "group of idiots" or "bunch of nitwits", which soften the insult.

Is "pack of fools" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pack of fools" is grammatically correct, using "pack" as a collective noun to describe a group of people considered foolish.

What is the difference between "pack of fools" and "group of fools"?

"Pack of fools" implies a more negative connotation than "group of fools", suggesting the group's foolishness is particularly egregious or irritating. "Pack" often carries a slightly stronger sense of disdain.