bunch
B1Informal (when meaning 'a lot' or 'a group'); Neutral (when referring to physical grouping).
Definition
Meaning
A number of things, typically of the same kind, growing or fastened together.
A significant number or amount; a group of people; a great deal of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun referring to a collection. The sense of 'a lot' ('a bunch of work') is informal but very common in spoken language. Can imply a casual or haphazard grouping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly. The informal meaning 'a large amount' or 'a group' is slightly more prevalent and established in American English.
Connotations
In both, 'a bunch of people' is less formal than 'a group of people'. In AmE, 'thanks a bunch' can be sincerely grateful or sarcastic, depending on tone.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both, but the verb usage ('to bunch up') might be slightly more common in technical/descriptive writing in BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[quantifier] a bunch of + N (count/uncount)N + bunch together/upVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Thanks a bunch! (often sarcastic)”
- “the pick of the bunch”
- “bunch of fives (BrE, old-fashioned slang for fist)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'We have a bunch of new leads.' Avoid in formal reports.
Academic
Rare in formal writing except in literal botanical/biological contexts ('a bunch of neurons').
Everyday
Extremely common: 'I saw a bunch of friends,' 'I have a bunch of work.'
Technical
Used in botany, electrical engineering ('wire bunching'), and data analysis ('bunching effect').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The runners began to bunch up as they approached the narrow lane.
- She bunched the fabric in her hand before sewing.
American English
- Traffic always bunches up near that exit.
- He bunched his fists in frustration.
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form.)
American English
- (No adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- (No common adjectival use. 'Bunch' is not standard as an adjective.)
American English
- (No common adjectival use. 'Bunch' is not standard as an adjective.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She bought a bunch of flowers.
- I have a bunch of keys.
- We went out with a bunch of friends from school.
- There's a whole bunch of mail on the table.
- The grapes grow in tight bunches on the vine.
- The manager dismissed their complaints as a bunch of excuses.
- Protesters began to bunch together at the entrance, creating a potential safety issue.
- The data reveals a distinct bunching of results around the median value.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LUNCH with a BUNCH of grapes. Both words have 'unch' and relate to a collection (food items).
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSTRACT AMOUNTS ARE PHYSICAL COLLECTIONS (e.g., 'a bunch of luck,' 'a bunch of problems').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'группа людей' as 'bunch of people' in formal contexts—use 'group'.
- Do not use 'bunch' for a formal team or organization (команда, отдел).
- 'Связка ключей' is 'a bunch of keys', but 'связка' in programming is 'string'.
Common Mistakes
- Using with uncountable nouns in formal writing ('a bunch of information' → 'a great deal of information').
- Overusing the informal sense in academic essays.
- Incorrect: 'The students are a nice bunch' (correct, but informal).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'bunch' used in a FORMAL and appropriate manner?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. When it means a single group/collective, use singular: 'That bunch of flowers is lovely.' When the focus is on the individual members, informal plural is common: 'A bunch of my friends are coming.' In formal writing, treat it as singular or rephrase.
Use it cautiously. It is acceptable in its literal, physical sense (e.g., botany). The informal meaning 'a lot' or 'a group' should be replaced with more precise terms like 'a group,' 'a set,' 'a collection,' or 'many.'
'Bunch' often implies things are physically attached or gathered casually/randomly (a bunch of keys, bananas). 'Group' is more general and neutral, and is preferred for organized collections of people. 'Bunch' for people is informal.
No, but it often is. Tone is crucial. It can be genuine, especially in American English, but because it's so frequently used sarcastically, for clear, sincere thanks, 'Thanks a lot' or 'Thank you so much' is safer.