triads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triads" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of three related elements, often in contexts such as music, mathematics, or social dynamics. Example: "In music theory, triads are fundamental building blocks of harmony, consisting of three notes played together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It added that "the triads became an ongoing presence in the Macau casinos" from the 1980s.

The Guardian

Although junkets are a legal business enterprise, organised crime has extensively infiltrated them, according to a 2003 investigative report on the triads commissioned by the Las Vegas Sands and obtained by the IRP.

The Guardian

The former CEO of Adelson's highly profitable casinos in the Chinese enclave of Macau, Steven Jacobs, is suing because he claims to have been sacked for trying to break links to organised crime groups, the triads, and for attempting to halt alleged influence peddling with Chinese officials.

The Guardian

"The companies and individuals who operate the [VIP] rooms are either triads or fronts for the triads," said the report.

The Guardian

Gambling syndicates, including the triads, began exerting influence over investors, referees, coaches and players.

The Economist

The police in Fujian province, on the coast facing Taiwan, say they have evidence of over 40 Japanese, American and Taiwanese triads operating there.

The Economist

While a person [or political party] can only hold one position within each of these triads, their position in any triad may vary according to the issue of concern.The triads form the three fundamental axes of politics.

The Economist

And just as Taiwan and Hong Kong have in recent years cracked down heavily on their local triads, so gang violence has migrated to Macau.In this section Gangsterland Too few green shoots in Pakistan Aiming missiles Rumblings from across the razor wire Indonesia shudders An electoral pantomime ReprintsA sleepy attitude on the part of the authorities must come in for its share of the blame.

The Economist

Even outside Penang however, the deadly work of triads seems to be a common theme.

The Economist

The protesters say anyone should be allowed to stand.In the recent opinion poll 60% of respondents blamed the violence on one or the other of the police, thugs (some of whom were alleged by police to be members of triads, or criminal gangs) or Leung Chun-ying, the territory's chief executive.

The Economist

A link with China's underworld triads has taken its distribution and money laundering network global.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triads" in technical contexts like music theory or chemistry, ensure you are accurately representing its specific meaning within that field. For more general contexts, consider if a simpler term like "groups of three" might be more accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "triads" when referring to groups of a different size, such as pairs or quartets. "Triads" specifically denotes groups of three, so using it inaccurately can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "triads" is as a plural noun. Ludwig examples show it referring to groups of three, whether elements in chemistry, notes in music, or organized crime groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "triads" functions as a plural noun, denoting groups of three. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable across diverse fields, including music, science, and criminology. While versatile, its use is most common in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, maintaining a generally neutral to formal register. For everyday conversation, consider simpler alternatives like "groups of three" or "trios". Using the term "triads" incorrectly by referring to a different quantity can confuse your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trios

Refers to groups of three, similar to "triads", but may be more commonly used in musical contexts.

threesomes

Specifically indicates groups of three people or things.

triple sets

Emphasizes that the three items are grouped together.

ternaries

A more formal term referring to a group of three.

groupings of three

Explicitly describes the formation of sets containing three elements.

sets of three

A simple and direct way to refer to groups of three items.

collections of three

Focuses on the assembled nature of the group.

combinations of three

Highlights the selection or arrangement of three elements.

clusters of three

Implies a close or dense arrangement of three items.

units of three

Stresses the individual yet collective nature of the three items.

FAQs

How is "triads" used in music theory?

In music theory, a triad is a chord consisting of three notes: a root, a third, and a fifth. These are the basic building blocks of harmony.

What is a good alternative to "triads" in general conversation?

In general conversation, you can use alternatives like "trios", "threesomes", or "groups of three" depending on the context.

Can "triads" refer to people?

Yes, "triads" can refer to groups of three people, although terms like "threesome" or "trio" are often more common in that context.

What are some examples of "triads" in science?

In chemistry, Döbereiner's triads referred to groups of three elements with similar properties. In physics and mathematics, various sets of three related entities might be referred to as "triads" depending on the specific field.