Cool MateCluster vs Group
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cluster
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Group
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Most common: Group
| Cluster | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈklʌstə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈklʌstər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡruːp/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡruːp/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of things that are close together. | A set of people or things that are together. |
| Example | The cluster of stars was visible in the clear night sky. | The teacher divided the class into small groups for the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | little, small, large, in a/the cluster, cluster of, little, small, large, in a/the cluster, cluster of | big, large, wide, create, form, found, form, split up, comprise, leader, member, activity, as a group, in a/the group, within a/the group, divide somebody/something into groups, big, large, wide, create, form, found, form, split up, comprise, leader, member, activity, as a group, in a/the group, within a/the group, divide somebody/something into groups, big, large, wide, create, form, found, form, split up, comprise, leader, member, activity, as a group, in a/the group, within a/the group, divide somebody/something into groups |
| Antonyms | separation, dispersal | individual, loner, solo |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clutter', which refers to mess., Using 'cluster' with singular nouns (e.g., 'a cluster of tree' instead of 'a cluster of trees')., Overusing 'cluster' instead of specific terms like 'group' or 'bunch' in casual conversation. | Confused with 'groupe' which is not an English word., Using 'group' as a verb incorrectly; remember it's mainly a noun., Saying 'group of people' instead of just 'group' when context is clear. |
| Usage notes | Use 'cluster' when referring to a collection of similar items or people. It's neutral and appropriate in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in very formal contexts where specific terms might be preferred. | Use 'group' when talking about multiple people or items. It's often used in contexts like organizing activities or discussing teams. Avoid using it in very formal writings where specific terms may be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cluster vs Group
What's the difference between Cluster and Group?
Cluster: A group of things that are close together. Group: A set of people or things that are together.
Which is more common: Cluster and Group?
Group is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Cluster and Group?
Cluster is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cluster and Group the same CEFR level?
Cluster: C1, Group: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cluster and Group?
Cluster: noun, Group: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Cluster: The cluster of stars was visible in the clear night sky. Group: The teacher divided the class into small groups for the project.
Can I use Cluster and Group interchangeably?
Not always. Cluster and Group are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.