squadron of ships

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squadron of ships" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of naval vessels organized for a specific purpose, often in a military context. Example: "The navy deployed a squadron of ships to conduct exercises in the open sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A squadron of ships from the four nations was hastily assembled, he said, under the command of Rear Admiral Doorman.

The Guardian

He was recalled to Spain in 1567 and later helped organize a squadron of ships against the English.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In June of the following year he was once again appointed to the command of a squadron of ships, this time near Charleston, but he died before he could take up the position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As this was performed rather tardily by them, he himself reached Britain with the first squadron of ships, about the fourth hour of the day, and there saw the forces of the enemy drawn up in arms on all the hills.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Consequently, Morris commanded a squadron of ships in the Gulf to ensure that American merchant commerce in the area would continue unmolested.

Wikipedia

The "numerous British and Spanish squadron of ships and vessels of war" he described comprised two sloops and two sixth-rates of the Royal Navy.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

At sea, Dudley's fighting orders were at the forefront of tactical thinking: Squadrons of ships, ordered by size and firepower, were to manoeuvre in formation, using co-ordinated gunfire.

Wikipedia

To counter British control of the seas, the French periodically despatched squadrons of ships to raid British trade lanes, particularly off West Africa and in the South Atlantic, where the stretched Royal Navy maintained only minimal forces.

Wikipedia

At 02 00 on 13 November, two squadrons of ship's boats made amphibious landings: a small force under Lieutenant Samuel Leslie landed to the north of the emplaced positions, acting as a diversion while the main body of the expeditionary force landed to the south under Lieutenant Colonel Smith.

Wikipedia

On 12 April 1781 Vice Admiral George Darby's squadron of 29 ships of the line escorting 100 store ships from England laden for Gibraltar entered the bay.

Wikipedia

Hood's immediate reaction was that the sails must belong to a squadron of French ships of the line, and ordered his ships to form a line of battle in anticipation.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical naval events or military operations, use "squadron of ships" to convey a sense of organized naval power. The phrase effectively communicates the presence of a coordinated group of vessels under a unified command.

Common error

While "squadron of ships" is a vivid image, it's best reserved for discussions of naval history, military strategy, or maritime operations. Using it in everyday contexts might sound overly formal or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "squadron of ships" is as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a specific collection of naval vessels. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "squadron of ships" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to an organized group of naval vessels. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, such as historical accounts, news reports, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase appears most frequently in Wiki, Encyclopedias and News & Media sources. While correct, using this phrase in casual conversation might sound overly formal. Alternatives include "naval fleet" or "group of vessels", depending on the context. Be mindful of the military connotations and avoid overuse in non-military discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

naval fleet

Emphasizes the naval aspect and overall organization of the ships.

maritime squadron

Highlights the maritime nature and the organized grouping of vessels.

flotilla of warships

Specifies the military nature and smaller size of the group of ships.

group of vessels

A more general term for a collection of ships, lacking the military connotation of "squadron".

naval task force

Indicates a specific mission or operation for the group of ships.

armada of ships

Refers to a large and imposing naval force.

convoy of ships

Implies a group of ships traveling together, often for protection.

fleet of vessels

A broader term for a collection of ships, typically larger than a squadron.

ship formation

Focuses on the arrangement of ships in a structured manner.

naval division

A military term denoting a specific organizational unit within a navy.

FAQs

How can I use "squadron of ships" in a sentence?

You can use "squadron of ships" to describe a group of naval vessels acting together, such as, "The admiral commanded a "squadron of ships" during the naval battle."

What are some alternatives to "squadron of ships"?

Alternatives include "naval fleet", "maritime squadron", or simply "group of vessels" depending on the context.

Is "squadron of ships" more formal than "fleet of ships"?

"Squadron of ships" and "fleet of ships" are both formal, but "squadron" implies a smaller, more tactical grouping, while "fleet" suggests a larger, more comprehensive collection of vessels.

When is it appropriate to use "squadron of ships" in writing?

It's appropriate when discussing naval history, military operations, or maritime strategy where a coordinated group of vessels is involved. Avoid using it in casual or non-maritime contexts.