a column of tanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a column of tanks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a military formation, or when referring to a line or procession of tanks. For example: "The army marched in a column of tanks and troops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

On January 30th, I watched a column of tanks advance into the square.

The New Yorker

Ibrahim had been on a street near the city centre with friends when a column of tanks suddenly advanced, firing.

The Guardian

For example, reports about the sale of the archive have cited images of the so-called tank man, a solitary protester blocking a column of tanks.

The New York Times

As Steavenson wrote in her February 28th Letter from Cairo, On January 30th, I watched a column of tanks advance into the square.

The New Yorker

There is a feeling of inevitability in that line of station wagons, advancing like a column of tanks, and DeLillo's words provide subversive ammunition against them.

The New Yorker

At the same time, Company C, which is under Colonel Schwartz's command sent a column of tanks and Bradleys into the southern part of the city.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Late Sunday night, a column of Israeli tanks and armored bulldozers entered Palestinian-controlled territory in Qalqilya, in the West Bank, northeast of Tel Aviv.

The New York Times

In the Kore Valley, Barzani's men stopped a column of Iraqi tanks; their rusting hulks remain, an essential part of the Kurdish national legend.

The New Yorker

The cartoon seemed to evoke the most famous photograph of the Tiananmen protests, in which an unarmed man brought a column of Chinese tanks to a standstill by refusing to move from their path.

The New York Times

Entering Cocody, where a column of French tanks rolled in on Monday to batter their way into Mr Gbagbo's compound and drag him from his burning residence, people picked their way through mountains of stinking rubbish.

Independent

Mr. Sarkozy was celebrated across the country a few weeks ago on a national holiday to mark the anniversary of the day that French military planes swooped down to stop a column of Qaddafi tanks from marching into the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, where many of the country's current interim leaders had huddled together in fear of an impending massacre.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a column of tanks" when describing a military formation advancing in a linear or sequential manner, especially in historical or conflict-related contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a column of tanks" in non-military contexts or when describing static displays of tanks. Instead, opt for more appropriate terms like "group", "display", or "collection".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a column of tanks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a specific formation of military vehicles. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing military movements and historical events, and Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a column of tanks" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a military formation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in formal writing and speech. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys the presence and movement of military vehicles. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately represents the intended meaning and military or historical setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a line of tanks

Focuses on the linear arrangement rather than the depth or purpose of the formation.

a convoy of tanks

Emphasizes the tanks traveling together for protection or logistical reasons.

an armored procession

Highlights the formal or ceremonial aspect of the tanks moving together.

a squadron of tanks

Uses a more specific military term to describe the tank formation.

a fleet of tanks

Suggests a large number of tanks operating together as a unit.

a train of tanks

Implies the tanks are moving in a long, connected sequence.

a cluster of tanks

Depicts a group of tanks gathered in close proximity.

a troop of tanks

Refers to a group of tanks, especially as part of a larger military unit.

a stream of tanks

Indicates tanks moving continuously in a single direction.

a battle group of tanks

Highlights the military function and strategic grouping of tanks.

FAQs

How can I use "a column of tanks" in a sentence?

You can use "a column of tanks" to describe a military formation moving in a line, such as, "The general ordered "a column of tanks" to advance towards the enemy position."

What are some alternatives to "a column of tanks"?

Alternatives include "a line of tanks", "a convoy of tanks", or "an armored procession", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a column of tank" instead of "a column of tanks"?

No, it is not correct. You should always use the plural form "tanks" because a column consists of multiple tanks.

What's the difference between "a column of tanks" and "a fleet of tanks"?

While both refer to groups of tanks, "a column of tanks" typically implies a linear formation moving in succession, whereas "a fleet of tanks" suggests a larger, more dispersed group, similar to naval fleets.