come flocking

USAGE SUMMARY

"come flocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people or animals gathering in a large group or flock. For example: "As news of the event spread, people came flocking to the concert hall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

So far, investors have not come flocking.

The New York Times

… other pancake fans will come flocking.

The Guardian

Since then, journalists from across Africa have come flocking.

The New York Times

And the suitors come flocking to Lady Mary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You won't have to as they'll come flocking I bet.

The New Yorker

If the next fight looks like a good one, we'll all come flocking back.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

When the building opened in 2007, well-off young professionals came flocking.

The New York Times

Diners came flocking, and soon Montrachet became the showpiece of a re-emerging neighborhood.

The New York Times - Food

Nelson doesn't say, which is a shame, but photographers came flocking, and he is at liberty to feast on the images, both still and moving, that ensued.

The New Yorker

The industry came flocking out of curiosity, and Nolte was cast in Rich Man, Poor Man, one of those rare TV mini-series that lives in the memory.

The Guardian - Film

Somewhat famously, Wylie Dufresne at WD-50 layered anchovies and foie gras, a pair about as harmonious as bacon and peanut butter, and diners came flocking.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come flocking" to vividly depict a large group arriving, especially when they are drawn by something appealing or significant. For instance, "When the new exhibit opened, art enthusiasts came flocking to the gallery".

Common error

Avoid using "come flocking" in contexts where a formal or orderly gathering is expected. It often implies a more enthusiastic and less organized arrival.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come flocking" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of a group of people or animals gathering in large numbers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come flocking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase, especially in news and media. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a gathering of people or animals in large numbers. While it's best used in neutral to informal contexts to describe a crowd gathering with some enthusiasm, remember to adjust formality based on your audience, with alternatives available if formality is key. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, solidifying its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flock together

Similar to the original, but with the addition of "together" to emphasize unity.

gather en masse

This alternative emphasizes the large scale and unified nature of the gathering.

arrive in droves

This phrase suggests a large number arriving, often implying a sense of eagerness or urgency.

throng

A more concise and direct way to describe a large group of people filling a space.

swarm

Implies a dense, moving mass, often used for insects or people moving energetically.

congregate

A more formal way of saying "come together", often used for planned gatherings.

converge

Highlights the act of coming from different directions to meet at one point.

descend in numbers

Emphasizes the act of coming down or arriving from a higher place or distance in significant quantities.

mass

A simple and direct way to describe a large gathering of people.

crowd

Suggests a large number of people gathered closely together.

FAQs

How can I use "come flocking" in a sentence?

You can use "come flocking" to describe a large group of people or animals gathering or arriving in response to something. For example: "When the store announced the sale, customers "came flocking"".

What does "come flocking" imply about the gathering?

"Come flocking" often implies that the group is moving with a sense of purpose or excitement toward a specific destination. It suggests a spontaneous and somewhat eager assembly.

What are some alternatives to "come flocking"?

Alternatives include "arrive in droves", "gather en masse", or simply "throng", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "come flocking" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "come flocking" might be too informal for very formal writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "congregate" or "assemble" in those contexts.