flocks of tourists

USAGE SUMMARY

'flocks of tourists' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a large group of tourists who have gathered together in one place, typically for sightseeing or vacationing. Example: Every summer, the small coastal town welcomes flocks of tourists who come to enjoy the warm weather and stunning views.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Without flocks of tourists, seagulls rule the boardwalk.

The New Yorker

Turkey's prosperity — and in large measure Erdogan's popularity — depends on foreign investment and flocks of tourists.

The New York Times

Flocks of tourists were collecting their baggage while a guide shouted to gather them for check-in.

The New Yorker

St. Augustine's 171-year-old church draws flocks of tourists every Sunday, but it also has one of the better-known fish fries.

The New York Times

The Vatican Museums and Galleries, the frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, the frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Borgia Apartment, and Raphael's Stanze ("Rooms") nevertheless attract critics, artists, and flocks of tourists from throughout the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But flocks of tourists mean macarons and kebabs, too.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Xi'an is also flaunting the glories of the ancient Tang Dynasty, with a 165-acre Tang Paradise Theme Park that is patronised by flocks of tourist groups.

BBC

"As much as people want to see the canal improved," he said, "they're afraid of a flock of tourists coming to Clyde".

The New York Times

The centenarian Manoel de Oliveira's documentary-based fiction "The Conqueror, Conquered" takes an aptly long and Olympian view of history, following a tour guide (Ricardo Trêpa) as he leads his flock of tourists to the city's medieval highlights and delivers potted introductions in broken English.

The New Yorker

Once deposited in Katoomba, we followed the flock of tourists, both Australian and foreign, down the town's main street to Echo Point, one of the country's most visited places, as evidenced by the many buses rolling in and the number of cameras clicking.

The New York Times - Travel

Ahu Tahai: Join the flock of tourists to watch the sunset behind moai here.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flocks of tourists" when you want to emphasize the collective nature of a large group of tourists, suggesting movement or gathering, similar to a flock of birds.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "flocks of tourists" in very formal or business writing. More neutral terms like "large groups of tourists" or "significant numbers of visitors" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flocks of tourists" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable, effectively describing a large group of tourists gathered in one place. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, such as describing tourism's impact on specific locations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flocks of tourists" is a correct and usable noun phrase that describes a large gathering of tourists. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show it used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it may be too informal for highly academic or business writing. Consider alternatives like "large groups of tourists" or "significant numbers of visitors" in more formal settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the image it evokes—a moving, collective presence similar to a flock of birds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Large groups of tourists

Emphasizes the size of the tourist gatherings.

Crowds of tourists

Highlights the density and potential congestion caused by the tourists.

Hordes of tourists

Implies a very large and possibly overwhelming number of tourists.

Masses of tourists

Focuses on the sheer quantity of tourists present.

Swarms of tourists

Suggests a large, moving group of tourists, similar to insects.

Throngs of tourists

Indicates a tightly packed group of tourists.

Streams of tourists

Describes tourists moving continuously in a line or flow.

Waves of tourists

Suggests tourists arriving in successive groups or surges.

Bands of tourists

Implies smaller groups of tourists traveling together.

Companies of tourists

Refers to structured or organized groups of tourists.

FAQs

How can I use "flocks of tourists" in a sentence?

You can use "flocks of tourists" to describe a large gathering of tourists in a particular location. For example, "Every summer, "flocks of tourists" visit the beaches of Southern California."

What are some alternatives to "flocks of tourists"?

Alternatives include "large groups of tourists", "crowds of tourists", or "masses of tourists", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flocks of tourists" a formal or informal expression?

"Flocks of tourists" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. In very formal contexts, "large numbers of tourists" or "significant visitor numbers" may be more appropriate.

What does the term "flocks" imply when used with "tourists"?

Using "flocks" suggests that the tourists are moving or gathering together in a way that resembles a flock of birds or other animals. It emphasizes their collective presence and movement.