sub-groups vs groups

[kimfinale]

Dear English teacher,

Would it be confusing if I use both the terms "sub-groups" and "groups" meaning the same in the same paragraph? For example, in the following paragraph:

A population can be divided into several sub-groups of individuals depending on the race, sex, age and the language they speak. Individuals in each group tend to meet with the individuals from the same group more often than those from other groups.

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I thought that using the term "group" rather than the "sub-group" would make the paragraph simpler.

[I'm With Stupid]

Yes. I think you would only use the term "sub-groups" if you wanted to split the "groups" you'd already mentioned into smaller groups. I wouldn't use the two terms interchangably.

Not a teacher.