What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coterie
Example
The literary coterie met every month to discuss their favorite books. [coterie: noun]
Example
She was part of a coterie of artists who often collaborated on projects. [coterie: prepositional phrase]
gang
Example
The police arrested the gang responsible for the robbery. [gang: noun]
Example
He joined a gang of skateboarders who liked to perform tricks at the park. [gang: prepositional phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gang is more commonly used than coterie in everyday language. Gang is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while coterie is less common and is often used in academic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coterie and gang?
Coterie is more formal than gang and is often used in academic or literary contexts. Gang is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, but can also be used in more serious or formal contexts when referring to criminal activity or violence.