Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
unconventional groups
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
fringe group
peripheral group
eclectic communities
diverse populations
varied groups
heterogeneous collectives
mixed communities
diverse social circles
multifaceted societies
unconventional circles
niche communities
alternative lifestyles
diverse social groups
diverse demographic groups
a wide range of numbers
various demographic segments
a wide range of populations
a broad range of demographics
a wide range of population
a wide range of demographics
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
This was Melvins' brief major-label period – they had signed to Atlantic after the grunge explosion, when similarly unconventional groups such as Jesus Lizard, TAD and Butthole Surfers were scooped up by A&R folk hungry to capitalise on Nirvana's success.
News & Media
In these works, the more conventional orchestral forces are divided into unconventional "groups".
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
One theory suggested that the Pulitzer board was perplexed by an unconventional group of finalists.
News & Media
That said, while Mr. Trump may relish his unconventional group, he has been quietly trying to get some more establishment voices to join him.
News & Media
That being the case, Checketts said he would not hesitate to make changes if his talented but unconventional group failed to mesh and produce victories.
News & Media
"It's about time," the epithet of their three-day run at the Kitchen (which began last night) is presumably an indication that people need to get attuned to this unconventional group, formed when four high-powered new-music soloists on the New York scene (Todd Reynolds, Mary Rowell, Ralph Farris and Dorothy Lawson) hooked up for a gig in 1998 and decided that something clicked.
News & Media
ABC's new series "Marvel's The Inhumans," an unconventional group of heroes, will be presented to viewing audiences in an unconventional way: in IMAX.
News & Media
We have found strong statistical support for the unconventional grouping of myriapods and chelicerates, a taxon that we herein name Myriochelata.
Science
His Kammermusik series for small, unconventional, astringent groups of instruments—is outstanding.
Encyclopedias
They first developed a following from their residency at the lower Manhattan club CBGB, where they helped persuade club manager Hilly Kristal to feature more unconventional musical groups.
Wiki
That may explain why, in a break with the past, the Spanish capital selected an unconventional artistic group, Basurama, as the official curator for its "La Noche en Blanco" or white-night festival, which was held in September and attracted massive crowds through to the early hours of the morning.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
The phrase is highly effective in descriptive writing to add texture to the subject, especially when followed by specific examples of how they are unconventional
Common error
Avoid using "unconventional groups" if you actually mean the group lacks structure or leadership. A group can be highly organized and professional while still being unconventional in its methods or composition
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "unconventional groups" acts as a plural noun phrase where the adjective modifies the noun to specify the nature of the collective. In Ludwig, this is frequently used as a direct object or as part of a prepositional phrase to categorize diverse entities ranging from musical bands to scientific classifications.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Science
30%
Arts & Culture
15%
Less common in
Social Media
5%
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "unconventional groups" is a robust and widely accepted phrase in English that effectively describes collectives deviating from standard norms. Ludwig AI data shows that it is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science, where it helps categorize everything from experimental music groups to novel biological taxa. Whether you are writing about a rag-tag team of heroes or a complex molecular structure, this phrase provides a professional way to acknowledge uniqueness. It is grammatically sound and carries a neutral to positive connotation, making it a safe and descriptive choice for both academic and creative writing. For variety, consider alternatives like "atypical collectives" or "irregular ensembles" depending on your specific field.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
atypical collectives
Focuses on the unusual nature of the gathering rather than just social convention
nonconforming bodies
Emphasizes the refusal to adhere to specific standards
non-traditional organizations
Stronger emphasis on formal structures that don't follow historical precedents
irregular ensembles
Commonly used in artistic or musical contexts to describe unique instrumentation
unorthodox sets
Implies a deviation from established doctrines or rules
unusual alignments
Suggests a temporary or strategic gathering of disparate elements
eccentric circles
Suggests a more social or personal deviation from the norm
alternative squads
More informal and often implies a specific purpose or competitive nature
singular assemblages
More formal and highlights the unique quality of the components
deviant parties
Carries a slightly stronger connotation of breaking from social rules
FAQs
What does "unconventional groups" mean in a musical context?
In music, it usually refers to an ensemble using a "non-standard instrumentation" or an "regular ensemble" that deviates from classical norms, as seen in Ludwig examples from Wikipedia regarding Toru Takemitsu.
Is "unconventional groups" formal enough for an academic paper?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. You can also use "atypical collectives" or "heterodox groupings" for more specific academic registers.
Can I use "unconventional groups" to describe data points in science?
Absolutely. Scientific literature often uses the phrase to describe an "unconventional grouping" of biological taxa or chemical compounds that do not follow predicted patterns.
What is the difference between an unconventional group and a fringe group?
While an "unconventional group" is simply different from the norm, a "fringe group" often implies being on the extreme edge of a movement or having views that are considered radical by the majority.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested