Troop vs. Troupe
Another pair of words that often cause confusion among many of us is troop and troupe.
While these two terms have different spellings, they share similar sounds that often make
people misuse them. Despite this similarity, they are very different in terms of meaning and
use. Today, this post will guide you in understanding the differences between these two and
enable you to use them properly.
The word troop is most commonly used as a noun referring to “a group of soldiers” or “a
cavalry unit corresponding to an infantry company.”
Kurds accuse Baghdad of troop build-up on region border
Aljazeera
The troops who searched for Bergdahl came under attack and feared for their lives
Washington Post
US troops have mixed views on Trump, and 30% of them see white nationalism as a
significant danger
Business Insider
However, it may also function as a verb meaning “to move or gather in crowds” or “to go
one’s way.”
“Slobod passed the cases to Judge Maria Vazquez-Doles, and the lawyers and
civilians trooped over to her courtroom at the 1841 Courthouse.”
Times Herald-Record
More Jews troop in to keep a tradition alive
The Hindu
Angry Birds Franchise Keeps Trooping on Thanks to Iron Maiden
Bloomberg
On the other hand, the term troupe is used as a noun pertaining to “a group of dancers,
actors, or other entertainers who tour to different venues.”
Comedy troupe behind “Impractical Jokers” TV show to perform at Wolstein Center in
January
Cleveland
To save Yiddish theater, a troupe of Romanian actors abandon their home
The Times of Israel
Surrey’s seniors entertainment troupe returns for 14th annual benefit concert
Surrey Now-Leader
After we discussed the differences in use and meaning between troop and troupe, you are
now probably able to distinguish between the two words. Keep in mind that troop deals with
the military or movement by group while troupe mainly refers to theatre and dance groups.