flock to

USAGE SUMMARY

"flock to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that a large group of people has come together in a certain place. For example, "People flocked to the beach to take advantage of the sunny weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People flock to it.

The New Yorker

Fans flock to Bubba.

Independent

Young politicos flock to him.

Independent

People flock to Chad.

The New York Times - Sports

Fridays, executives flock to their chateaux,.

The New Yorker

Why did Russians flock to Cyprus?

The New York Times

Why do we flock to them?

The New York Times

The geniuses flock to finance, not industry.

The New York Times

They flock to see it.

The Guardian - Music

Crowds flock to Shakespeare's birthplace.

The Guardian - Travel

Thousands flock to west London.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flock to" when you want to convey a sense of large numbers gathering, often spontaneously or eagerly, at a particular location or event.

Common error

Avoid using "flock to" when referring to only a few individuals. This phrase implies a significant crowd or large number of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flock to" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating movement of a group towards a specific location or entity. Ludwig confirms its usability, and the examples show it describes gatherings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flock to" is a correct and widely used phrasal verb that describes a large group of people or animals gathering at a specific place or event. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples across various reputable sources. Its usage is most common in news and media, maintaining a neutral register appropriate for diverse contexts. When using this phrase, remember it implies a significant crowd and often a sense of eagerness or purpose. Consider alternatives like "throng to" or "converge on" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throng to

Highlights a dense crowd moving towards something, akin to "flock to" but with a stronger sense of crowding.

swarm towards

Emphasizes a large, moving group heading in a particular direction, similar to "flock to" but implies a more active movement.

converge on

Suggests a meeting at a specific point, often from different directions.

pour into

Describes a large number of people or things flowing into a place.

gather around

Indicates a coming together in a more intimate or focused manner than "flock to".

gravitate to

Suggests an attraction or natural tendency to move towards something.

congregate at

Focuses on assembling or gathering in a specific location.

descend upon

Implies a sudden or impactful arrival at a place.

assemble at

Implies a more organized or formal gathering than "flock to".

head towards

Describes movement in the direction of something, without necessarily implying a large crowd.

FAQs

How can I use "flock to" in a sentence?

You can use "flock to" to describe a large group of people moving towards a specific location or event. For example, "Tourists "flock to" the Eiffel Tower every year."

What are some alternatives to "flock to"?

Alternatives to "flock to" include "gather around", "converge on", or "throng to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "flock to" in formal writing?

Yes, "flock to" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or academic articles, as long as the context involves a significant number of people gathering.

What's the difference between "flock to" and "migrate to"?

"Flock to" implies a gathering for a specific reason or event, while "migrate to" suggests a longer-term or permanent relocation. For instance, birds migrate to warmer climates, while fans flock to a concert.