congregate in numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

"congregate in numbers" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a group of people or things gathering together in significant amounts. For example: "The birds congregate in numbers during migration." Alternative expressions include "gather in large groups" and "assemble in crowds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She has spent more than twenty years camped out in Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, near a bai, or clearing, where the elephants congregate in numbers unequalled at any other site.

The New Yorker

Monarch butterflies, Mexico These beautiful orange and black butterflies, the size of a human hand, congregate in numbers of up to 250 million in an area of mountain pine forest in central Mexico, between December and March, after travelling from the north eastern US and Canada - one of the natural world's most spectacular sights.

The Guardian - Travel

These beautiful orange and black butterflies, the size of a human hand, congregate in numbers of up to 250 million in an area of mountain pine forest in central Mexico, between December and March, after travelling from the north eastern US and Canada - one of the natural world's most spectacular sights.

The Guardian - Travel

Ladybugs can congregate in numbers large enough to infest your home over the winter break.

WikiHow

Small spinner baits like Beetle Spins or Mimic Minnows will also catch bluegill, and by trolling these or drifting while you cast, you will cover a larger area in a shorter time, hopefully discovering a "honey hole", or a location where these fish congregate in numbers.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A number of studies have shown that macrophages congregate in large numbers in the hypoxic areas of many solid tumours, which may be due to the influence of hypoxia on the chemoattractant signalling cascade in the tumour microenvironment ((Negus et al, 1997; Ueno et al, 2000, Grimshaw and Balkwill 2001).

British Journal of Cancer

"Do not congregate in large numbers.

The New York Times

Many species congregate in large numbers at temporary pools for short breeding seasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maastricht is where multimillionaire collectors and museum curators congregate in larger numbers than anywhere else.

The New York Times - Arts

One locally developed smartphone app, called Sponto, promotes social gatherings by showing when users congregate in large numbers.

The Washington Post

But where pigeons congregate in sufficient numbers, in an area where people live and eat, it can create a public health nuisance, he warned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "congregate in numbers" when you want to describe a gathering of people, animals, or objects in a notable quantity, often implying a shared purpose or destination.

Common error

Avoid using "congregate in numbers" excessively in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "assemble" or "convene" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "congregate in numbers" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of gathering or assembling in a significant quantity. Ludwig AI identifies its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "congregate in numbers" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe gatherings of people, animals, or objects in significant quantities. While Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, it is more common in neutral contexts such as news and general descriptions, and less so in highly formal writing. Consider synonyms like "gather in large groups" or "assemble in crowds" for enhanced precision in certain situations. The phrase is generally well-regarded, as reflected by the expert rating and source quality scores.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather in large groups

Focuses on the act of gathering, emphasizing the large size of the groups.

assemble in crowds

Highlights the formation of crowds, suggesting a more public and possibly less organized gathering.

flock together in droves

Implies a large, moving group, often used for animals or people moving towards a common point.

mass in great quantities

Emphasizes the sheer volume or amount of individuals or items.

swarm in vast amounts

Suggests a densely packed, often moving group, usually with a slightly negative connotation.

collect in substantial quantities

Focuses on the accumulation or gathering of items or people in notable amounts.

converge in considerable numbers

Implies movement from different directions towards a single point, with a focus on the number of participants.

group together extensively

Highlights the act of grouping and the scale of that grouping.

cluster in significant amounts

Suggests a close gathering or bunching together in notable quantities.

accumulate in bulk

Emphasizes the process of building up or amassing a large quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "congregate in numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "congregate in numbers" to describe groups forming. For example, "Elephants "congregate in numbers" near the waterhole during the dry season".

What are some alternatives to "congregate in numbers"?

Alternatives include "gather in large groups", "assemble in crowds", or "flock together in droves" depending on the specific context.

Is "congregate in numbers" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral, fitting for news reports and general writing but less suitable for highly formal or scientific contexts where more precise language may be preferred.

What does it mean when animals "congregate in numbers"?

When animals "congregate in numbers", it typically means they are gathering for breeding, feeding, migration, or protection from predators. The specific reason depends on the species and their environment.