pack of wolves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pack of wolves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of wolves, often in a literal sense or metaphorically to describe a group acting together, especially in a predatory or aggressive manner. Example: "The pack of wolves moved silently through the forest, hunting for their next meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A pack of wolves.

The New York Times

It was like a pack of wolves.

The New York Times

They're like a pack of wolves that eat their young".

The New York Times

We're like a pack of wolves, barking our manhood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their high-pitched cackling sounds like a pack of wolves.

The Guardian - Film

There are eight different designs among the pack of wolves.

The Guardian - Arts

Now it was more like a pack of wolves snarling over a kill.

The New Yorker

For example, a pack of wolves tore our neighbors' family dog to pieces this past winter.

The New Yorker

A pack of wolves will happily kill hundreds of sheep in an hour.

The Economist

There was a family of rabbits who lived near a pack of wolves.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Armstrong's belongs in the most odious spot: the big lie perpetrated over many years, viciously defended by Armstrong and his pack-of-wolves lawyers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pack of wolves" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of coordinated action, aggression, or predatory behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "pack of wolves" when referring to a friendly or cooperative group. The phrase generally implies a more competitive or even hostile dynamic.

Linguistic Context

"Pack of wolves" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to a specific group of animals. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in real-world examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pack of wolves" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase, used both literally to describe groups of wolves and metaphorically to depict coordinated, often aggressive, human behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral tone in factual reports, its metaphorical application often carries negative connotations. For semantically similar alternatives, consider "group of wolves" or "wolf pack", keeping in mind the nuanced implications each term carries. When employing the metaphor, ensure the context appropriately reflects the intended sense of collective action, possibly of a predatory nature. Avoiding the phrase in descriptions of amicable groups ensures clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of wolves

This is a more generic term for a collection of wolves, lacking the specific connotations of a "pack".

wolf pack

This is a synonym for "pack of wolves" but with a slightly different word order and emphasis.

band of wolves

Replaces "pack" with "band", suggesting a group with a shared purpose or activity.

lupine predators

This is a more formal and scientific way to refer to wolves as predators.

predatory canines

This is a broader term that includes wolves and other similar animals.

wolves hunting together

This phrase describes the action of wolves as a group, rather than the group itself.

a troop of wolves

Replaces "pack" with "troop", which is typically used for primates or other social animals.

a community of wolves

Focuses on the social aspect of wolves living together.

murder of crows

Plays on the existing of animal group names, but refers to crows instead of wolves.

pride of lions

Plays on the existing of animal group names, but refers to lions instead of wolves

FAQs

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

You can use "pack of wolves" to describe a group of wolves hunting together or, metaphorically, to describe a group of people acting aggressively or in a predatory manner. For example, "The "pack of wolves" surrounded the elk."

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

While both phrases refer to multiple wolves, "pack of wolves" implies a more structured social unit with established hierarchies and coordinated behavior, while "group of wolves" is more general.

Is it appropriate to use "pack of wolves" to describe a group of people?

Yes, but be mindful of the connotation. Using "pack of wolves" to describe people suggests that they are acting in a coordinated, possibly ruthless, manner. It is often used in a negative or critical context.

What are some other animal group names like "pack of wolves"?

Other examples include "pride of lions", "school of fish", "flock of birds", and "herd of elephants". These terms often reflect specific behaviors or social structures of the animals they describe.