[69] A Plague of Collective Nouns: Surprising Examples that Add Creativity to Language

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of individuals or things. In the case of the word "plague," it is typically associated with a devastating and contagious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis throughout history. While the word plague primarily refers to a specific illness, several examples exist where it is utilized as a collective noun to describe animals or other related subjects.

One example of a collective noun that incorporates the word "plague" is a "plague of rats." This phrase conjures the image of a large group of rats, often found infesting particular areas or wreaking havoc, especially in urban environments or places linked with overcrowding or poor sanitation. Plagues of rats can be serious issues due to their potential for spreading disease and causing damage to property.

Another example is a "plague of locusts." Locusts are insects that have a unique behavior that causes them to gather in swarms, particularly in response to specific conditions such as overcrowding. These swarms can be enormous and capable of causing severe damage to crops and vegetation as they voraciously consume everything in their path. Plagues of locusts have been significant and recurring agricultural issues in various parts of the world throughout history.

Additionally, the term "plague" has sometimes been extended metaphorically to describe non-living subjects. For instance, one might refer to a "plague of problems" or a "plague of obstacles" to denote a large and overwhelming quantity of difficulties or challenges confronting an individual or group.

In conclusion, while historically associated primarily with an infectious and deadly disease, the word "plague" can also be used as a collective noun to describe groups of animals, particularly rats or locusts, known for causing widespread damage. Furthermore, it can be extended metaphorically to describe collections of issues or hindrances an individual or group might face.

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Plague Of Failures

Plague of Failures is a compelling and evocative collective noun phrase that vividly encapsulates a distressing scenario plagued by a series of relentless, disappointments, shortfalls, or setbacks. Imbued with a sense of despair and frustration, this phra...

Example sentence

"The company's poor decision-making led to a plague of failures in their product launches."

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Plague Of Fake News

A plague of fake news refers to a notable and widespread occurrence of false or misleading information that rapidly spreads within society, causing harm, confusion, and destabilization. Similar to a contagious disease, this collective noun emphasizes the ...

Example sentence

"In recent years, there has been a plague of fake news spreading like wildfire, confusing and misleading people."

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Plague Of False Promises

A Plague of False Promises is a whimsical and yet intriguing collective noun phrase that succinctly captures the essence of deception and disappointment. Evocative of a swarm of insects or a contagious disease, this peculiar phrase conjures a vivid imager...

Example sentence

"The city was engulfed in a plague of false promises during the election season, with politicians making endless claims they had no intention of fulfilling."

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Plague Of Fears

A plague of fears is a striking and evocative collective noun phrase used to describe an overwhelming and pervasive manifestation of anxieties or distressing emotions that affect individuals or a community en masse. The term plague metaphorically suggests...

Example sentence

"I couldn't sleep peacefully last night because a plague of fears flooded my mind, depriving me of any rest."

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Plague Of Fleas

A plague of fleas is a descriptive collective noun phrase that vividly conveys an overwhelming and troublesome presence of fleas. Conjuring up images of swarm, infestation, and unease, this phrase represents a large or unnaturally dense population of thes...

Example sentence

"During the summer, our backyard was infested with a plague of fleas, making it impossible to enjoy any outdoor activities."

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Plague Of Flies

A plague of flies is a descriptive term used to represent a large group or gathering of flies. This collective noun phrase vividly captures the overwhelming, bothersome nature of these insects when they congregate in large numbers. When a plague of flies ...

Example sentence

"A plague of flies descended upon the picnic, swarming the food and causing chaos."

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Plague Of Gnats

A plague of gnats is a vivid and evocative collective noun phrase that describes a large accumulation of tiny flying insects called gnats. It conjures an image of an intense and overwhelming infestation, akin to a pestilence or epidemic. The term emphasiz...

Example sentence

"While enjoying a peaceful picnic in the park, a plague of gnats interrupted our meal, swarming around our heads and food."

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Plague Of Grackles

A plague of grackles is a vivid collective noun phrase used to describe a specific grouping or flock of grackles, which are blackbirds native to North and South America. Just as a plague symbolizes a widespread, potentially overwhelming epidemic, this phr...

Example sentence

"As the sun set, a massive plague of grackles descended upon the town, filling the skies with their piercing cries."

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Plague Of Grasshoppers

A plague of grasshoppers is a vivid collective noun phrase used to describe a large group or swarm of grasshoppers. The term plague evokes a sense of overwhelming abundance or proliferation, indicating the sheer number, density, or intensity of these inse...

Example sentence

"A plague of grasshoppers descended upon the fields, devouring crops in their path."

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Plague Of Hesitations

A Plague of Hesitations is a captivating collective noun phrase that metaphorically encompasses a group of individuals deeply afflicted by hesitations and indecisiveness. Similar to how a plague spreads and affects a myriad of individuals, this group comp...

Example sentence

"The stage actor battled a plague of hesitations before delivering his lines with confidence."

Some of these collective noun phrases are traditional, while others showcase a touch of creativity. Choose the one that best fits your narrative or discussion.

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