pack of imbeciles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pack of imbeciles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people perceived as foolish or lacking intelligence, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "After witnessing their poor decision-making, I couldn't help but think they were just a pack of imbeciles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The world is full of imbeciles.

The New York Times

"It's just a cacophony of imbeciles".

The Guardian - Film

There were a lot of imbeciles.

The New York Times - Arts

("Three generations of imbeciles are enough," Justice Holmes wrote).

The New York Times

"Three generations of imbeciles are enough," Oliver Wendell Holmes famously said.

The New York Times - Arts

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., writing for the eight-to-one majoriThreeoncluded, "Three generations of imbeciles are enough".

The New Yorker

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s majority opinion entered history: "Three generations of imbeciles are enough".

The New York Times

My flat, like a barrow for the greatest of imbeciles …" Nothing much else happens.

The Guardian - Books

"Three generations of imbeciles," Holmes wrote in his opinion, "are enough".

The New York Times - Books

He declared, in reference to Carrie's family, that "three generations of imbeciles are enough".

The New Yorker

The president's "experts" are not known for their subtlety; his senior vice-president recently called the British "a bunch of imbeciles" and the Australians "cowherds".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "pack of imbeciles" sparingly and be mindful of your audience, as it can be perceived as highly offensive. Consider alternative, less inflammatory terms depending on your intent and the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "pack of imbeciles" in formal or professional writing. Its informal and derogatory nature is generally inappropriate for such settings. Instead, opt for more neutral language, such as "group exhibiting poor judgment" or "individuals with questionable decision-making skills".

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "pack of imbeciles" functions as a derogatory collective noun phrase. It serves to negatively characterize a group, emphasizing their perceived lack of intelligence or competence. As Ludwig AI correctly states, the phrase is grammatically sound, as "pack" correctly functions as a collective noun.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pack of imbeciles" is a grammatically correct but highly informal and derogatory phrase used to describe a group of people considered foolish or incompetent. As Ludwig AI underlines, its usage is generally restricted to informal contexts and should be carefully considered due to its offensive potential. While alternatives exist to convey similar sentiments with varying degrees of intensity, it's important to be mindful of the audience and purpose when employing such language. Considering that Ludwig found no exact examples, the phrase is not very common, and alternative, less inflammatory terms are generally preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of fools

Replaces "imbeciles" with a more general term for foolishness, reducing the intensity.

bunch of idiots

Uses a more common and slightly less formal synonym for "imbeciles".

crowd of morons

Substitutes "imbeciles" with "morons", implying a lack of intelligence.

collection of simpletons

Employs a more archaic and somewhat humorous term for unintelligent people.

band of dunces

Replaces "pack" with "band" and "imbeciles" with "dunces", offering a slightly more literary feel.

cohort of nitwits

Uses a less common and slightly humorous alternative to "imbeciles".

cluster of nincompoops

Replaces "imbeciles" with a more playful and old-fashioned term.

assembly of blockheads

Offers a more formal and somewhat archaic alternative, replacing "imbeciles" with "blockheads".

gaggle of numbskulls

Utilizes a more informal and humorous term for unintelligent people.

troupe of dunderheads

Substitutes with less common words implying the same semantic meaning.

FAQs

What does "pack of imbeciles" mean?

The phrase "pack of imbeciles" is a derogatory term used to describe a group of people who are considered foolish, unintelligent, or incompetent. It implies a strong sense of disapproval and disdain.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pack of imbeciles"?

Due to its offensive nature, it's rarely appropriate to use "pack of imbeciles" in formal or professional settings. It may be used in informal conversation or creative writing to express strong disapproval, but consider the potential impact on your audience.

What are some alternatives to "pack of imbeciles"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "group of fools", "bunch of idiots", or "collection of simpletons". These options vary in intensity and formality.

Is "pack of imbeciles" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pack of imbeciles" is grammatically correct. It uses "pack" as a collective noun to describe a group of "imbeciles".