in droves

USAGE SUMMARY

"in droves" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used to describe large groups of people arriving or leaving at once, often in a hurry or with some urgency. For example: "The crowd descended on the stadium in droves as the concert began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People left in droves.

The New Yorker

Utrechters came in droves.

The New York Times

Moviegoers came in droves.

The New York Times

Others surrendered in droves".

Independent

People weren't watching in droves.

The New York Times

It lost customers in droves.

The New York Times - Travel

People walked out, in droves.

The New York Times - Arts

Courts dismissed complaints in droves.

The New Yorker

"People were leaving in droves.

The New Yorker

Livestock have died in droves.

The Economist

"People came in droves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in droves" when you want to emphasize the large number of people or things moving or acting together. It's particularly effective when implying a sense of urgency or collective behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "in droves" in contexts where a positive or celebratory tone is needed, as the phrase often carries a sense of overwhelming movement or departure, which can sometimes be negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in droves" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which an action is performed, indicating that it involves a large number of entities acting or moving together. Ludwig provides several examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in droves" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe large groups moving or acting together. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively emphasizes scale and collective action. When using this phrase, be mindful of its potential connotation of overwhelming movement or departure. Alternative phrases like "in large numbers" or "en masse" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. It is more appropriate to use "in droves" when indicating the scale and collective nature of an action involving a large number of people or things behaving in a similar way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in large numbers

Focuses on the quantity, less on the movement.

in great numbers

Similar to "in large numbers", emphasizes the vast quantity.

in crowds

Highlights the presence of many people gathered together.

in flocks

Suggests a gathering like birds, implying a natural collective.

in swarms

Implies a dense and potentially overwhelming gathering.

in hordes

Suggests a large, unordered, and potentially threatening group.

en masse

A more formal way to describe a large group acting together.

thick and fast

Suggests something happening rapidly and in large quantities.

by the score

Indicates a large quantity, often used when counting.

in abundance

Emphasizes the plentiful nature of something, rather than movement.

FAQs

How can I use "in droves" in a sentence?

You can use "in droves" to describe a large group of people or animals moving together, like "Tourists visited the museum "in droves" during the summer vacation" or "After the concert, fans left the stadium "in droves"".

What are some alternatives to saying "in droves"?

Alternatives include "in large numbers", "in great numbers", or "en masse". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "people came in droves"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "in droves" typically follows a verb of movement or action, such as "came", "left", or "flocked".

What's the difference between "in droves" and "in crowds"?

"In crowds" simply refers to being surrounded by many people. "In droves" implies a large number of people moving or acting together, often with a sense of purpose or urgency.