pack of lions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pack of lions" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of lions, as lions are known to live and hunt in packs. Example: "The safari jeep stopped in front of a pack of lions, their golden coats shimmering in the setting sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They were like a pack of lions.

The New York Times

"A fine place to get a puncture -- a hundred meters from a pack of lions," he muttered.

The New York Times - Travel

Less Disney-friendly however, was a pack of lions' pursuit of a lone buffalo – these guys were less Simba, more Satan.

Independent

Slowly, she'd start to tell me about a lost world: how she'd wait in the dark for hours without moving for a pack of lions to move on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To its credit, "Whispers" captures astonishing film of a newborn elephant and of a nocturnal attack by a pack of lions on an elephant.

The New York Times

You imagine the members of his flock sitting bolt upright in their pews after gazing at "Rome," which depicts a bloody crucifixion, the flaying of St. Bartholomew and a pack of lions feasting on martyrs in the Colosseum.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Alex had the misfortune of wandering into this pack of pride of lions and is liable to get eaten because they're hungry.

Yale University

The spectacular Chauvet cave, named after the spelunker who discovered it in 1994, stunned the art world with its pack of hunting lions, its great panel of horses, fighting rhinos and nearly 300 other figures.

The New York Times

Tragedy has once again visited a pack of mountain lions struggling to survive in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Los Angeles Times

That reminds me of the time I single-handedly rescued the Queen from a pack of hungry lions during an African safari.

Huffington Post

Leaf blowers of the weaker variety can be a bit timid and mouse-like; commercial riding mowers are muscular, shouting and screaming their way across manicured lawns; and chain saws are unmistakable in their audio signatures, like a pack of angry lions ready to pounce.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pack of lions" metaphorically, ensure the context aligns with the typical characteristics associated with lions, such as strength, ferocity, and coordinated action.

Common error

Avoid using "pride of lions" and "pack of lions" interchangeably without considering the subtle differences in their connotations. While both refer to a group of lions, "pride" is often associated with family and social bonds, while "pack" suggests more of a hunting or functional unit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pack of lions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it accurately describes a group of lions and is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pack of lions" is a grammatically correct and understandable term that effectively describes a group of lions. While Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy, it's less frequently used than alternatives like "pride of lions". Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase often serves to describe literal groups of lions or metaphorically represent a coordinated and potentially overwhelming group of individuals. When writing, ensure the context aligns with these connotations for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pride of lions

Replaces "pack" with "pride", the more traditional term for a group of lions. The semantic meaning remains almost identical.

group of lions

Substitutes "pack" with the more generic "group", lessening the specific connotation of coordinated hunting or social structure.

cluster of lions

Emphasizes proximity and gathering, shifting focus slightly from the group's behavior to its physical arrangement.

band of lions

Evokes a sense of camaraderie or shared purpose, which may not always be present in a "pack".

litter of lions

Refers specifically to a group of young lions born together, a much narrower context than "pack of lions".

coalition of lions

Emphasizes the lions working together with a purpose, perhaps to take over a pride or territory.

team of lions

Implies a structured organization, suggesting strategy and coordination among the lions.

gang of lions

Carries a more negative connotation, implying unruly or aggressive behavior.

den of lions

Highlights the location where the lions reside, shifting focus away from their grouping to their habitat.

swarm of lions

Suggests a large, overwhelming number of lions, often moving chaotically.

FAQs

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

You can use "pack of lions" to describe a group of lions hunting together, or metaphorically to describe a group of people acting aggressively or in a predatory manner. For example: "The journalist felt like she was facing a "pack of lions" during the press conference."

What's a more formal alternative to "pack of lions"?

While "pack of lions" is acceptable, a more formal alternative might be "a pride of lions", especially when discussing them in a zoological or scientific context.

Is it correct to say "herd of lions"?

No, "herd" is typically used for grazing animals like cattle or elephants. The correct term for a group of lions is a "pride" or a "pack".

When is it appropriate to use "pack of lions" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "pack of lions" metaphorically when describing a group of individuals acting in a unified, aggressive, and potentially overwhelming way toward a common target. It emphasizes a sense of coordinated power and predatory intent.