columns of ants

USAGE SUMMARY

"columns of ants" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of ants that are lined up in a column while marching in search of food, or simply to describe the general sight of a long line of ants. For example, "We watched as columns of ants scuttled across the back lawn in search of food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Columns of ants patrol the woods hunting insects, sometimes to the top of tall trees, and dragging their prey back to their nest.

The Guardian

Throughout the day, hundreds of pupils flow like columns of ants from classroom to playground and back again, always making room for the next group.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At first, it resembles a column of ants, then a pulled suture.

The New Yorker

"Every guy out there is either married, gay, or a human suit zipped around a column of ants".

The New Yorker

Each is impatient for 9 a.m., when the door will swing open and the material remains of Mrs. Wetterhahn's existence will be scoured and gone over by estate-sale scroungers, advancing as relentlessly as a column of ants.

The New York Times

Looking at the traffic is like watching a column of ants, going hither and thither in a courteously chaotic way.

Huffington Post

At Kartabo Beebe discovered the phenomenon known as an ant mill, a column of ants following itself in an endless loop until nearly all of them died of exhaustion.

Wikipedia

Schwenk says the lizards hunt for columns of foraging ants and then pick the ants off one by one with their darting tongues.

Science Magazine

At night, my neighbor Teodora and I patrolled the gardens and the coconut grove with our lanterns, killing the swift columns of cutter ants, pouring kerosene into the nests of the ants who ate our tomatoes and green beans, lettuce and squash.

The New Yorker

To various degrees, around eighteen species specialise in following columns of army ants to eat the small invertebrates flushed by the ants, and many others may feed in this way opportunistically.

Wikipedia

In 2007, Franks found that certain species of army ants use their bodies to plug potholes in the forest floor, thus creating a flatter surface for columns of foraging ants from their colony to run back to their nest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "columns of ants", consider the specific type of ant and their behavior to provide a more vivid description, for example, "columns of army ants" or "columns of foraging ants".

Common error

Avoid using "columns of ants" to describe any disorganized group of ants. The phrase implies a specific linear or orderly formation. For a disorganized group, consider terms like "swarm" or "cluster".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "columns of ants" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a specific formation or arrangement of ants. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "columns of ants" is a grammatically correct and useful noun phrase to describe ants moving in an organized, linear formation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a specific arrangement, and alternatives such as "lines of ants" or "ant trails" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Being mindful of the specific ant behavior and type can also improve the vividness of your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lines of ants

A more straightforward description of ants moving in a linear fashion.

rows of ants

Similar to lines of ants, but emphasizing the neat alignment.

streams of ants

Emphasizes the continuous flow of ants.

marching ants

Highlights the ants' movement forward, similar to soldiers.

single file of ants

Highlights the ants moving one behind the other in a tight line.

ant processions

Implies a more organized or ceremonial movement of ants.

foraging ants in formation

Adds the detail of the ants' purpose (foraging) and their organized arrangement.

ant trails

Focuses on the path created by the ants, rather than their formation.

parades of ants

Suggests a more elaborate and visually striking movement.

swarms of ants

Describes a large, dense group of ants, though not necessarily in a line.

FAQs

How can I use "columns of ants" in a sentence?

You can use "columns of ants" to describe the organized movement of ants, such as "We observed "columns of ants" carrying food back to their nest".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "columns of ants"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "lines of ants" or "ant trails" to convey a similar meaning while adding more detail.

Is it accurate to use "columns of ants" for any group of ants?

No, "columns of ants" specifically refers to ants moving in a linear or organized fashion. If the ants are scattered or disorganized, a term like "swarm of ants" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "columns of ants" and "swarm of ants"?

"Columns of ants" describes ants moving in a line or organized rows, while "swarm of ants" describes a dense, often disorganized, mass of ants.