procession of ants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "procession of ants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of ants moving in a coordinated manner, often in a line or organized fashion. Example: "As I walked through the garden, I noticed a fascinating procession of ants carrying food back to their nest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Records refer to a "procession of ants": hundreds of white-clad pilgrims scrambling up the steep slopes.

Independent

Its passage in the dark or dim-lit stall was as if time were being carried by a procession of ants, a gleaming red martial column of those militaristic red Southern ants that build hideous tall boiling hills; and each vile gleaming ant wanted a minuscule little portion of Poor Tony's flesh in compensation as it helped bear time forward down the corridor of true Withdrawal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A lover asks his beloved, "How does one read the story of your hair?" There is also talk about the similarities of love and tobacco plants, not to mention the bread crumbs of "pride and dignity," carried away by a procession of metaphoric ants.

The New York Times

The inexorable rise of Ant and Dec continues.

The Guardian

The occasional procession of saints appears as well.

The New York Times - Arts

A steady procession of people, as purposeful as ants, wound its way along undulating paths toward the entrance.

The New York Times - Travel

Lots of ants.

The New York Times

Myrmecophobia- Fear of ants.

The New Yorker

"A society of ants," Amos said.

The New Yorker

Robinson nicely explains the wonder of ants.

The Guardian

But what sort of ants would comply?

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "procession of ants" to vividly describe a large group of ants moving in a single file or organized manner, especially when emphasizing the continuous or purposeful nature of their movement. This phrase can add a touch of imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "procession of ants" in literal contexts where a simple description of ants moving would suffice. The phrase is most effective when used metaphorically or to create a specific visual impression of coordinated movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "procession of ants" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in English, frequently employed to vividly depict ants moving in a coordinated manner, often resembling a line or an organized pattern.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "procession of ants" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe a line or organized group of ants. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its effectiveness in creating a vivid image of coordinated movement. While not overly common, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, consider its metaphorical potential and aim for situations where you want to convey the sense of continuous, purposeful movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Line of ants

Focuses on the linear arrangement of the ants.

Column of ants

Emphasizes the organized and orderly nature of the ants' movement.

Ant march

Highlights the steady and purposeful movement of the ants.

Stream of ants

Suggests a continuous flow of ants.

Trail of ants

Emphasizes the path created by the ants.

Swarm of ants

Focuses on the large number of ants moving together, but with less emphasis on order.

Horde of ants

Similar to 'swarm' but suggests a more chaotic or overwhelming number of ants.

Ant parade

Implies a more deliberate and noticeable movement of the ants.

Endless line of ants

Highlights the seemingly infinite length of the ant line.

Constant flow of ants

Emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted movement of the ants.

FAQs

What does "procession of ants" mean?

The phrase "procession of ants" refers to a large group of ants moving in an organized manner, often in a line. It's often used metaphorically to describe a similar movement of people or objects.

How can I use "procession of ants" in a sentence?

You can use "procession of ants" to describe a line of ants carrying food, or metaphorically to describe a long line of people moving slowly. For example: "As I walked through the garden, I noticed a fascinating procession of ants carrying food back to their nest."

What are some alternatives to "procession of ants"?

Alternatives include "line of ants", "column of ants", or "ant march" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "procession of ants" a common phrase?

While not extremely common, "procession of ants" is a recognizable and evocative phrase. Its usage depends on the desired level of formality and the specific image you want to create in your writing.