the collective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the collective" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of individuals acting together or sharing a common purpose or identity. Example: "The collective decided to take action on the environmental issues affecting their community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything depends on the collective.

The New York Times - Sports

The collective goes uptown, too.

The New York Times

It makes the collective judgment more extreme.

The New York Times

The collective impact earned him critical praise.

The New York Times

Republicans believe passionately in the collective.

The New York Times

Such images entered the collective memory.

The New Yorker

Low Budget, under the collective name Hollertronix.

The New Yorker

This comes from the collective subliminal consciousness".

The New Yorker

The collective called itself Band Aid.

The Economist

It's part of the collective unconscious.

The New York Times - Travel

At the Collective, a restaurant opening Mar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more specific term (e.g., "the team", "the community") might be more appropriate and descriptive than the general term "the collective".

Common error

Avoid overuse of "the collective" in formal writing; it can sometimes sound vague. Opt for more precise terms when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the collective" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a group of individuals considered as a single entity. As Ludwig shows, this phrase appears in various contexts to describe group actions, shared memories, or common beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the collective" is a versatile noun phrase that denotes a group of individuals considered as one. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "the group", "the team", and "the community", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the group

Replaces "collective" with a more generic term for a set of individuals.

the team

Emphasizes a collaborative unit working towards a common goal.

the community

Highlights a shared social or geographical space and common interests.

the organization

Focuses on a structured body with a specific purpose.

the body

Implies a unified entity composed of multiple parts.

the association

Suggests a formal gathering of people with a common interest.

the public

Refers to people at large, especially in relation to shared concerns.

the mass

Emphasizes a large, undifferentiated group of people.

the league

Suggests an organised group working together for a common cause

the union

Highlights unity and shared purpose among members.

FAQs

How can I use "the collective" in a sentence?

"The collective" refers to a group of people acting together. For example, "The collective decided to support the new initiative."

What's a good alternative to "the collective"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the group", "the team", or "the community" instead of "the collective".

Is it correct to use "the collective" in formal writing?

Yes, but be mindful of potential vagueness. Ensure the context clarifies which "collective" you are referring to. Consider more specific terms if appropriate.

What's the difference between "the collective" and "the individual"?

"The collective" refers to a group, while "the individual" refers to a single person. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum concerning group versus personal action and identity.