schools of fish

USAGE SUMMARY

"schools of fish" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a collective noun that is used to describe a group of fish swimming together. For example, you could say, "Along the shoreline, dozens of schools of fish could be seen swimming in the crystal blue water."

✓ Grammatically correct

Ocean Engineering

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Schools of fish are frequently attracted by reefs and it will gradually create artificial ecosystems.

Ocean Engineering

As parents ordered another round, their children darted around the tables like giggling schools of fish.

The New York Times

It is the most challenging method he can find to chase schools of fish.

The New York Times

And fish excrement and bacteria in the water can devastate large schools of fish.

The New York Times

On good days, you can swim alongside schools of fish in Wylie's Baths in Coogee.

The Guardian

"Other groups such as schools of fish have different characteristic shapes and thicknesses," said Young.

Princeton University

Videos of storm clouds, turtles and schools of fish roll across the gallery ceilings and interactive touch screens.

The New York Times - Arts

Like fish-aggregating devices and man-made structures like oil rigs, whale sharks attract schools of fish.

The New York Times

Swirling and swarming, darting onstage and off, the ensemble does resemble schools of fish, distressed if not wicked.

The New York Times - Arts

That year, extreme heat and large schools of fish caused more than 10,000 fish bodies to glut the waterway.

The New York Times

It is eerily still but for the schools of fish weaving through this newly arrived sunken society.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about marine ecosystems, use "schools of fish" to accurately describe groups of fish swimming together in a coordinated manner. This term is widely understood and scientifically accurate.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "schools of fish." Although "school" is singular, it refers to a group, so plural verbs are correct (e.g., "The schools of fish are swimming").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "schools of fish" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying and describing groups of fish swimming together. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common and accepted way to refer to this phenomenon. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "schools of fish" is a common and correct way to describe groups of fish swimming together, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to accurately describe a natural phenomenon. While generally neutral in register, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples. Remember to use plural verbs with "schools of fish" and to use alternatives such as "shoals of fish" or "fish aggregations" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoals of fish

Replaces "schools" with "shoals", a synonym with a slightly more archaic feel, referring to a large group of fish.

groups of fish swimming together

Elaborates on the action of the fish, emphasizing their synchronized movement.

fish aggregations

Uses a more technical term, "aggregations", suitable for scientific contexts.

fish formations

Highlights the organized structure of the fish group, less common but valid.

collective of fish

Emphasizes the unity of the fish group, suitable for metaphorical or conceptual contexts.

clusters of fish

Focuses on the spatial arrangement of the fish in a concentrated area.

swarms of fish

Implies a more chaotic or active movement of the fish group.

cohorts of fish

Uses a less common, more formal term for a group, suitable for specific scientific contexts.

gams of fish

Uses "gams", a very uncommon term, to describe a small group of fish.

drove of fish

Uses "drove", another term used to describe a small group of fish.

FAQs

How do I use "schools of fish" in a sentence?

You can use "schools of fish" to describe groups of fish swimming together. For example, "We observed large "schools of fish" near the coral reef".

What is another way to say "schools of fish"?

Alternatives include "shoals of fish" or "fish aggregations" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "school of fish" or "schools of fish"?

Both are correct, but "school of fish" refers to a single group, while "schools of fish" refers to multiple groups. It depends on whether you're talking about one group or multiple groups.

What determines the behavior of "schools of fish"?

The behavior of "schools of fish" is influenced by factors such as predator avoidance, foraging efficiency, and environmental conditions.