group of ants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "group of ants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a collection or assembly of ants, often in a biological or observational context. Example: "While hiking, we came across a fascinating group of ants working together to transport food back to their nest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A group of ants is called a colony.

The New Yorker

By Mia Mercado June 17, 2017 A group of ants is called a colony.

The New Yorker

Only a very specific group of ants are proving useful in this work, however.

The Guardian

Her group of ants did not behave the way she and her classmates had expected.

Stanford University

Forty million years ago a group of ants sat on a tree trunk watching another ant at work.

The Guardian - Business

When a group of ants tries to move large prey, the ants change position and alignment until the prey can be moved toward the nest.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

I tried to develop the full picture, a fuller picture of the whole ecosystem — that is, exactly what is there — and then center the action on a group of ant colonies.

The New Yorker

Feinerman, O., Pinkoviezky, I., Gelblum, A., Fonio, E. & Gov, N. S. The physics of cooperative transport in groups of ants.

Nature

Prior to releasing ants to return home in a parallel test channel, the researchers modified the gaits of two groups of ants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two groups of ants, namely VOAS and reconnaissance ants, which will collaborate with each other to determine the local information, are introduced.

Applied Soft Computing

Last year, eight groups of ants flew to the International Space Station, boosted by a rocket and the curiosity of Stanford University biologist Deborah M. Gordon, who studies collective behavior.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ant behavior, specify the type of ants if relevant (e.g. "group of fire ants", "group of leaf-cutter ants") for clarity.

Common error

While "group of ants" is correct, consider using more descriptive terms like "colony" or "swarm" depending on the context to enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "group of ants" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a collection of these insects. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "group of ants" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a collection of ants. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While it is generally acceptable, more precise terms like "colony" or specifying the ant species can enhance clarity in writing. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, as seen through Ludwig's examples, demonstrating its widespread use. In summary, "group of ants" is a versatile phrase, but writers should consider the context and aim for precision in their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colony of ants

Focuses on the established social structure and living space of the ants.

swarm of ants

Emphasizes the large number and active movement of the ants.

ant cluster

Highlights the physical aggregation or bunching together of ants.

ant aggregation

Describes the gathering or collecting of ants in a specific location.

ant troop

Implies a more organized or military-like formation of ants.

ant team

Suggests a cooperative effort among ants working towards a common goal.

ant assembly

Focuses on the gathering of ants for a specific purpose or task.

horde of ants

Conveys a sense of a large, overwhelming number of ants.

entourage of ants

Implies a group of ants accompanying or attending to something or someone.

an ant party

A casual or humorous way to refer to a gathering of ants.

FAQs

What is the correct way to refer to a collection of ants?

The phrase "group of ants" is correct, but "colony of ants" is a more formal and biologically accurate term, especially when referring to ants living together in a structured social system. "Swarm of ants" can be used to describe a large number of ants moving together.

Can I use "group of ants" in scientific writing?

Yes, "group of ants" is acceptable in scientific writing, especially when the specific social structure isn't the focus. However, using more specific terms like "colony" or specifying the ant species (e.g., "group of fire ants") often adds clarity.

What are some alternative ways to say "group of ants" in a narrative context?

In more narrative or descriptive writing, you could use phrases like "swarm of ants", "line of ants", or "cluster of ants" to create a more vivid image, depending on the ants' behavior and arrangement.

Is there a difference between a "group of ants" and an "ant colony"?

While "group of ants" simply refers to a collection of ants, "ant colony" implies a complex social organization with a queen, workers, and a defined living space. Not every group of ants constitutes a fully established colony.