columns of pilgrims

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "columns of pilgrims" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of pilgrims moving together in an organized manner, often in a religious or ceremonial context. Example: "As the sun rose, the columns of pilgrims made their way towards the sacred site, chanting prayers and singing hymns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Columns of pilgrims.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While the negotiations in Geneva continued and while Yemen burned, two columns of Hajj pilgrims ran into each other in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on the first day of the Id al-Adha.

Independent

BAGHDAD — A woman who veiled her explosives in a black robe struck a column of Shiite pilgrims on the outskirts of Baghdad on Monday in a suicide attack that Iraqi officials had predicted but could not stop.

The New York Times

When hundreds of pilgrims were pinned to the wall at the circular openings where they stoned the columns, Mr. Bar's engineers turned the circles into ellipses, which helped people move through, and widened the pillars into walls, to increase their surface area and make them easier to hit, also helping the pilgrims pass more quickly.

The New York Times

"Lots of pilgrims come," he said.

The New York Times

"You sent us a boatload of Pilgrims.

The Economist

Yet the stream of pilgrims continues undiminished.

The New York Times

The stampede happened after a surge of pilgrims at the intersection of two perpendicular streets as they were making their way towards an area overlooking the columns, according to the Saudi civil defence directorate.

Independent

Waves of pilgrims covered the brown boulders of the hill.

The New Yorker

Thousands of pilgrims circled it in a blur.

The New Yorker

She is found by a group of pilgrims.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a large group of pilgrims moving in a structured way, use "columns of pilgrims" to convey a sense of order and magnitude. Consider alternative phrasing depending on the specific imagery you want to evoke.

Common error

Avoid using "columns of pilgrims" when the group is small or disorganized. This phrase implies a significant number moving in a somewhat orderly fashion; otherwise, consider "groups of pilgrims" or another more suitable descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "columns of pilgrims" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific arrangement of people undertaking a religious journey, as seen in Ludwig examples where it depicts organized groups moving towards a sacred place. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "columns of pilgrims" is a noun phrase used to depict a large, organized group of people on a religious journey. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears mostly in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of scale and order. Alternative phrases such as "processions of pilgrims" or "lines of pilgrims" can be used depending on the desired imagery. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the scale and organization of the pilgrim group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

processions of pilgrims

Replaces "columns" with "processions", emphasizing the movement and order of the pilgrims.

lines of pilgrims

Substitutes "columns" with "lines", focusing on the linear arrangement of the pilgrims.

throngs of pilgrims

Replaces "columns" with "throngs", highlighting the large number of pilgrims.

groups of pilgrims

Uses "groups" instead of "columns", indicating a less structured gathering of pilgrims.

streams of pilgrims

Emphasizes the continuous flow of pilgrims, replacing "columns" with "streams".

waves of pilgrims

Replaces "columns" with "waves", depicting a surging movement of pilgrims.

multitudes of pilgrims

Highlights the great number of pilgrims, changing "columns" to "multitudes".

ranks of pilgrims

Uses "ranks" instead of "columns", suggesting a more formal or organized arrangement.

armies of pilgrims

Substitutes "columns" with "armies", emphasizing the large scale and possible determination of the pilgrims.

files of pilgrims

Replaces "columns" with "files", indicating an organized, single-file arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "columns of pilgrims" to describe a large group of people traveling for religious reasons in an organized manner. For example: "As the sun rose, the "columns of pilgrims" made their way towards the sacred site."

What are some alternatives to "columns of pilgrims"?

Alternatives include "processions of pilgrims", "lines of pilgrims", or "throngs of pilgrims", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the group's movement or size.

When is it appropriate to use "columns of pilgrims" instead of "groups of pilgrims"?

"Columns of pilgrims" is best used when you want to convey a sense of order and large numbers, whereas "groups of pilgrims" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply structure.

Is "columns of pilgrims" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "columns of pilgrims" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding text. It is frequently used in news and media reporting as a descriptive term.