team of strangers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "team of strangers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of individuals who do not know each other but are working together towards a common goal. Example: "In the hackathon, we formed a team of strangers, each bringing unique skills to the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Soon, a volunteer team of strangers formed.

The New York Times

A musical created by a team of strangers would have a low Q.

The New Yorker

Well, they're still winless since winning their first game of the season, against a team of strangers in Chicago Fire shirts.

The Guardian - Sport

They are a team of strangers, writes Dave D'Alessandro in The Star-Ledger of Newark, and you cannot fast-track past the part where all these parts form a team.

The New York Times - Sports

This team of strangers could not find any early rhythm in a first half which was interrupted by stoppages, particularly as Alou Diarra, struggled for fitness and was eventually replaced.

Independent

Yet Liverpool had long since disintegrated as a defensive unit, leaving Rafael Benítez apoplectic at the ineptitude on show as his team of strangers groped desperately in the dark.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

You can just dip in and out and join ad-hoc teams of strangers for quick racing bouts, there are also asynchronous speed challenges for friends who can't quite manage to get online at the same time.

The Guardian - Tech

Nick Knowles hosts the quiz where two teams of strangers compete to win 50,000 pounds by completing a series of lists.

BBC

Nick Knowles hosts the quiz where two teams of strangers compete for the 50,000 pounds jackpot by completing a series of lists.

BBC

THE WALKER -- A team of nine strangers is assembled to track down one man.

The New York Times

Too much instability and change -- even though the moves made them more talented -- have turned the Mavericks into a team of mismatched strangers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "team of strangers", ensure the context clearly indicates why the individuals are strangers to each other. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "team of strangers" when the individuals have some prior connection or shared context, as this diminishes the phrase's intended meaning. If they've met before, consider alternatives like "new team" or "recently formed group".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "team of strangers" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a group of people who do not know each other, brought together for a specific purpose. Ludwig provides examples across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "team of strangers" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group of unfamiliar individuals working together. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the lack of prior relationships among team members and is suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the 'stranger' aspect and avoid assuming pre-existing connections. Consider alternatives like "group of unfamiliar individuals" or "collection of unknown people" for nuanced meaning. By understanding these nuances, you can use "team of strangers" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of unfamiliar individuals

Focuses on the lack of familiarity among the members.

collection of unknown people

Emphasizes the lack of knowledge about the individuals involved.

ad-hoc assembly of newcomers

Highlights the impromptu nature and newness of the group's formation.

unfamiliar collaborative unit

Stresses the collaborative aspect despite the unfamiliarity.

newly formed alliance of outsiders

Indicates a recent coming together of people not previously connected.

band of unconnected persons

Focuses on the absence of prior relationships among the members.

random assortment of people

Highlights the coincidental and unplanned nature of the group.

hodgepodge of unknown entities

Emphasizes the diverse and unfamiliar composition of the group.

coalition of unacquainted individuals

Stresses the lack of acquaintance among the people involved.

gathering of disparate personalities

Focuses on the varied and unconnected nature of the individuals' backgrounds.

FAQs

How can I use "team of strangers" in a sentence?

You can use "team of strangers" to describe a group of people who don't know each other but are working together, such as, "The project was completed by a "team of strangers" who met online."

What phrases are similar to "team of strangers"?

Similar phrases include "group of unfamiliar individuals", "collection of unknown people", and "newly formed alliance of outsiders".

Is it appropriate to use "team of strangers" in formal writing?

Yes, "team of strangers" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing collaborations or situations where people with no prior relationship must work together. Its appropriateness also depends on the specific formal context.

What is the difference between "team of strangers" and "group of acquaintances"?

A "team of strangers" implies that the individuals have no prior knowledge of each other, while a "group of acquaintances" suggests a loose connection or familiarity. The key difference lies in the degree of prior relationship among the members.