lines of ants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lines of ants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible trail or formation of ants moving in a coordinated manner, often seen in nature or when discussing ant behavior. Example: "As I walked through the garden, I noticed lines of ants marching diligently towards their nest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Those behind them follow this trail, leading to long lines of ants marching one by one.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There was the time he snorted a line of ants in the absence of any actual drugs.

The Guardian - Music

On tour with Mötley Crüe in 1984, Ozzy Osbourne allegedly snorted a line of ants when a party ran out of cocaine.

Independent

They ask, "Ozzy, did you really once snort a line of ants off a popsicle stick?" and I ain't got a fucking clue.

Independent

But of all the bizarreness I've ever witnessed, none has come to parallel the morning I walked downstairs to the kitchen and discovered a housemate leaning down to the counter and carefully cooing and negotiating with a thick, neat line of ants.

The New York Times

I look at Lowry's work and, though my brain tells me that I'm gazing at chimney stacks and houses and tiny freight trains, threading their way through towns like a line of ants, it is the painter not his subject that I always see in my mind's eye, his mackintosh buttoned tight against the weather and the world.

The Guardian - Arts

Before you do the task, you might… Extension Activities: Narrative Writing: Science Times: "Finding Zen in a Patch of Nature" Common Core Standards: W3, W10, RI4, RI10, RH4 Have you ever sat and really observed the world around you? Do you notice the line of ants at the base of the tree in your yard?

The New York Times

But it only looks that way, just as a line of ants looks like a brown stripe on the ground.

SEP

(According to one story the band likes to recount, while on tour with Crüe in 1984, Ozzy Osbourne once snorted a line of ants).

Los Angeles Times

From atop the Temple of the Moon, you see low ziggurats of volcanic stone flanking a broad promenade that stretches to the Sun Temple, where a steady stream of climbers ascends its stepped face like a line of ants.

Huffington Post

Where did the days go, eh? Remember when you were doing a shitload of blow on a tour bus with Ozzy, and when Ozzy got off the bus, he got down on the floor and snorted a line of ants?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the behavior of ants, use "lines of ants" to effectively convey the image of ants following a pheromone trail or moving in a coordinated manner.

Common error

Avoid using "lines of ants" in overly figurative or abstract contexts where the literal image of ants is not relevant. Choose more appropriate metaphors for conveying order or persistence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines of ants" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to describe a visible trail or formation of ants, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This is often observed in natural contexts, such as ants foraging or moving between their nest and food sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lines of ants" is a noun phrase used to describe the coordinated movement of ants in a linear formation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While often used literally to describe ant behavior, it can also be used metaphorically. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and science contexts. Alternatives include "ant trails" and "streams of ants". A key writing tip is to ensure the context warrants the literal image of ants, avoiding overuse in abstract scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ant trails

Focuses on the path created by ants, rather than the visual of the ants themselves.

ant columns

Emphasizes the structured formation of ants in a linear arrangement.

trails of ants

Replaces "lines" with "trails", maintaining the imagery of a path.

streams of ants

Suggests a continuous flow of ants, similar to a stream.

ant processions

Implies a more formal or deliberate movement of ants.

marching ants

Highlights the coordinated movement of the ants.

ant formations

General term for any structured arrangement of ants.

rows of ants

Emphasizes the linear arrangement of the ants.

ant convoys

Draws a parallel to military convoys, highlighting coordinated movement.

files of ants

Describes ants moving in a single line or file.

FAQs

How can I describe a trail of ants?

You can use phrases like "ant trails", "trails of ants", or "lines of ants" to describe the path created by ants.

What is a synonym for "lines of ants"?

Alternatives include "ant columns", "streams of ants", or "rows of ants", which all suggest a linear or structured formation of ants.

Is it correct to say "lines of ants"?

Yes, "lines of ants" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe ants moving in a linear formation, often following a trail.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lines of ants"?

Use "lines of ants" when you want to emphasize the visual of ants moving in a coordinated, linear fashion, such as when they are foraging for food or returning to their nest.