pack of hounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pack of hounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of hunting dogs or metaphorically to describe a group of people pursuing something with enthusiasm or aggression. Example: "The pack of hounds chased after the scent, their barks echoing through the forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They were like a pack of hounds.

The Guardian

Elizabeth Warren and her pack of hounds needs to go.

Columbia University

Near the wall, you can see a pack of hounds.

The Guardian - Music

Foxhunting, the chase of a fox by horsemen with a pack of hounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They surrounded Mr. Aronsohn like a pack of hounds closing in on a rabbit.

The New York Times

We hunt by letting our tight pack of hounds unravel into the grasses.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nor do farmers grumble about the damage that hunters, with their packs of hounds and galloping horses, do to fields.

The New York Times

"These changes would make it extremely difficult for Scottish hunts to use cynical subterfuge to mask packs of hounds being encouraged to chase foxes and eventually kill them".

The Guardian

Foxes stand little chance against riders on horseback and packs of hounds who have been bred to sniff out animals and chase them for hours on end.

Independent

Police are investigating allegations of illegal deer hunting in south-west England, following claims that a traditional hunt has been chasing stags with packs of hounds.

The Guardian

A dining room features a hunt board laden with punchbowls, gold-etched goblets and porcelain plates as well as paintings of packs of hounds, and hunting trophies.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pack of hounds" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of relentless pursuit or aggression.

Common error

Avoid using "pack of hounds" in contexts where the negative connotations of relentless pursuit and potential cruelty are inappropriate or undesirable. Consider a more neutral term if the intention is not to evoke those images.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pack of hounds" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing a group of dogs used for hunting or, metaphorically, a group of people pursuing something aggressively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pack of hounds" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a group of hunting dogs, often employed both literally and metaphorically to depict relentless pursuit. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, its connotation can range from neutral to slightly informal, depending on the specific application. When employing the phrase, be mindful of its potential negative implications associated with aggressive hunting. Alternatives such as "group of hounds" or "hunting pack" may offer a more neutral tone in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of hounds

Replaces "pack" with "group", a more general term for a collection of animals.

hound group

A simpler and more direct way to refer to a collection of hounds.

hunting dog pack

Focuses on the pack's purpose, highlighting that they are hunting dogs.

hunting pack

Shortened version, more focused on the act of hunting

kennel of hounds

Emphasizes the hounds' dwelling or breeding place.

bevy of hounds

Uses "bevy", implying a large and active group.

collection of hounds

A more formal and neutral way to refer to a group of hounds.

slew of hounds

Uses "slew", meaning a large number or quantity.

chorus of hounds

Implies the hounds are making noise together, similar to a choir.

leash of hounds

Suggests a controlled group of hounds.

FAQs

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

You can use "pack of hounds" to describe a literal group of hunting dogs, such as "The fox was pursued by a "pack of hounds", or metaphorically to describe a group of people pursuing something aggressively, such as "The reporters descended on the politician like a pack of hounds".

What are some alternatives to "pack of hounds"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "group of hounds", "kennel of hounds", or if used metaphorically, phrases like "throng" or "mob".

Is it appropriate to use "pack of hounds" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pack of hounds" may be too informal or evocative for some formal contexts. Consider the specific tone and audience. In many cases, a more neutral term like "group of dogs" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "pack of hounds" and "group of dogs"?

"Pack of hounds" specifically refers to dogs bred and trained for hunting, often with connotations of relentless pursuit. "Group of dogs" is a more general term that can refer to any collection of dogs, regardless of breed or purpose.