Meaning & use
consumer groups
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“consumer groups” is a form of “consumer group”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Organizations that work to protect the rights and interests of people who buy goods and services.
Grammar: Always plural in this form; the singular is 'consumer group'. Takes a plural verb: 'Consumer groups are worried.'
Patterns
- consumer groups say something
- consumer groups are calling for something
- a coalition of consumer groups
Consumer groups welcomed the new law on food labeling.
Several consumer groups are calling for lower prices on basic medicines.
The report was written by a coalition of consumer groups from across Europe.
Word forms
| singular | consumer group |
|---|
Common combinations
- consumer groups warn
- Consumer groups warn that the new fees will hit poor families hardest.
- consumer groups argue
- Consumer groups argue that the advertising is misleading.
- consumer groups call for
- Consumer groups called for an independent investigation.
- a coalition of consumer groups
- A coalition of consumer groups published the survey results.
- consumer groups and regulators
- Consumer groups and regulators met to discuss the safety rules.
Synonyms and how they differ
- consumer organizations
- Almost the same meaning, but 'organizations' sounds a little more formal and official.
- watchdogs
- More informal and often used for groups that check on companies or governments; it can sound more aggressive.
Word family
- consumer noun
- A person who buys or uses goods and services.
- consumerism noun
- The belief that buying goods is good for society, or the protection of buyers' rights.
- consumerist adjective
- Relating to consumerism or too focused on buying things.
Commonly confused: consumer groups or customer groups?
consumer groups vs customer groups
'Customer groups' are groups of customers of one company; 'consumer groups' are independent organizations that protect buyers in general.
Practice
______ are asking the government to ban the sale of sugary drinks in schools.
Choose one answer.
The verb 'are' shows that the subject is plural, so 'Consumer groups' is correct. 'A consumer group' and 'The consumer group' are singular and would need 'is', while 'Consumer group' without an article is not grammatical here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “consumer groups”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.