shoals of fish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoals of fish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group or school of fish swimming together, often in a natural setting. Example: "As we sailed through the clear waters, we were amazed to see shoals of fish darting beneath the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The big boys want access to passing shoals of fish.

The Economist

Most recently, he has modelled the behaviour of shoals of fish.

The Economist

It might refer to the shoals of fish that Timothy's presence seems miraculously to summon.

The Guardian - Books

For underwater detection of either submarines or shoals of fish, sonar systems have been developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Violins and violas sway and arc in unison, like shoals of fish.

The Guardian - Music

There are shoals of fish, small and large, from anchovies and bream, to scorpion fish and bass.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

I'm guessing they represent a shoal of fish.

The Guardian - Sport

Scraps of the moon on the surface like a shoal of fish floating belly up.

The Guardian - Books

A couple of papers performed volte-faces, and like a shoal of fish, the public turned.

The Guardian

I doubled back for a closer look, wondering whether it had been caused by a shoal of fish.

The Guardian

The buyer, having stripped Daniel's flat bare, sees a wooden mobile of a shoal of fish that Daniel carved.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing marine ecosystems, use "shoals of fish" to vividly convey the image of numerous fish swimming together in a coordinated manner. This term is particularly effective in nature writing and documentaries to emphasize the dynamic nature of underwater life.

Common error

Avoid using "shoals" as a singular noun. "Shoal" can be singular, but in the context of fish, it's more accurate to say "a shoal of fish" or "shoals of fish" for multiple groups. Using "shoals" as singular can sound incorrect to native English speakers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoals of fish" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a collective noun, referring to a group of fish. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in diverse sentences describing marine environments and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoals of fish" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a large group of fish swimming together. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and versatility, appearing commonly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While "schools of fish" is a common alternative, "shoals of fish" effectively conveys a vivid image of marine life. Be mindful to use "shoal" or "shoals" correctly in singular and plural forms, respectively, to maintain grammatical accuracy. Leveraging this phrase can enhance descriptions of underwater environments and aquatic ecosystems, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schools of fish

This is a more common and widely understood synonym for "shoals of fish".

groups of fish

This is a more general term that may not specifically imply coordinated movement like "shoals of fish".

clusters of fish

This suggests a denser, more packed grouping than "shoals of fish".

swarms of fish

This implies a very large and active group, often with connotations of abundance or overwhelming numbers, adding intensity compared to "shoals of fish".

masses of fish

This emphasizes the sheer quantity of fish, perhaps lacking the sense of coordinated movement found in "shoals of fish".

collections of fish

This is a neutral term, lacking the dynamic sense of "shoals of fish".

assemblages of fish

This is a more formal term, suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

aggregations of fish

Similar to 'assemblages', this term is more scientific and less common in everyday language.

drifts of fish

This suggests a more passive, less directed movement than "shoals of fish".

herds of fish

This is less conventional but evokes a similar image of a large, moving group like "shoals of fish".

FAQs

What does "shoals of fish" mean?

"Shoals of fish" refers to a large number of fish of the same species swimming together in a coordinated manner. It describes the collective behavior and grouping of fish, often for protection or foraging.

What is a good alternative to "shoals of fish"?

A common alternative is "schools of fish". Both terms describe the same phenomenon, but "schools of fish" is more frequently used in modern English.

Is it correct to say "a shoal of fish"?

Yes, "a shoal of fish" is grammatically correct when referring to a single group. The plural form, "shoals of fish", is used when referring to multiple groups.

How does "shoals of fish" differ from "groups of fish"?

While "groups of fish" simply indicates multiple fish together, "shoals of fish" implies a specific behavior of swimming together in a coordinated and often synchronized way. "Shoals of fish" is a more descriptive and evocative term.