streams of ants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "streams of ants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of ants moving together in a flowing manner, often seen in nature or when discussing ant behavior. Example: "As we walked through the forest, we noticed streams of ants marching in unison across the path."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drop a blob of jelly on the kitchen counter, and you might soon see a stream of ants headed straight for the mess.

Science Magazine

FROM the top of a bright orange, 42-foot-tall observation tower, it wasn't much of a stretch to look down at the thousands of amateur runners, all wearing the same white T-shirt as they jogged a four-kilometer route through Hamburg, and imagine them as streams of worker ants, rushing through an enormous, half completed designer colony.

The New York Times - Travel

Darwinfish105 makes the city's trains look like miniatures; a traditional parade replete with authentic Japanese attire and a sedan ride looks like a stream of stylish ants; construction equipment looks like it was tooled by Tonka. .

Vice

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

Tens of thousands of refugees are now streaming along the western coast towards Banda Aceh like an army of ants.

The Economist

Lots of ants.

The New York Times

Myrmecophobia- Fear of ants.

The New Yorker

But what sort of ants would comply?

The New York Times - Science

Robinson nicely explains the wonder of ants.

The Guardian

"A society of ants," Amos said.

The New Yorker

We focused on a simple behavior of an individual ant and analyzed the interactions between a pair of ants.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "streams of ants" to vividly describe a large number of ants moving together, whether literally or metaphorically, to evoke a sense of continuous flow and collective action.

Common error

Avoid using "streams of ants" excessively in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your descriptions with alternatives like "lines of ants" or "columns of ants" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "streams of ants" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptive element to illustrate movement and quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase. The examples showcase its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "streams of ants" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that vividly describes a continuous flow of ants, whether literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific articles, with a neutral register. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of relentless movement or overwhelming numbers. Consider alternative phrases like "lines of ants" or "swarms of ants" for variety. Ensure that it isn't overused. Despite being a rare phrase, the expression is fit for purposes of describing motion, number, or collective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lines of ants

Replaces "streams" with "lines", focusing on the linear formation of ants.

columns of ants

Emphasizes the organized, marching aspect of ants.

swarms of ants

Highlights the dense, clustered movement of ants.

waves of ants

Uses "waves" to depict the flowing motion of a large group of ants.

processions of ants

Suggests a more formal, orderly movement of ants.

trails of ants

Focuses on the path created and followed by ants.

armies of ants

Emphasizes the large number and organized nature of the ants.

rivers of ants

Uses "rivers" to describe the continuous flow of ants.

convoys of ants

Suggests an organized and protected movement of ants.

parades of ants

Highlights the ordered, sequential movement of ants.

FAQs

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

You can use "streams of ants" to describe a large number of ants moving together, such as "We saw "streams of ants" marching toward the picnic basket" or metaphorically, like ""streams of ants" making their way out of the subway station during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to saying "streams of ants"?

Instead of "streams of ants", you could say "lines of ants", "columns of ants", or "swarms of ants", depending on the context and the specific image you want to evoke.

Is it correct to use "streams of ants" in formal writing?

Yes, "streams of ants" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when used descriptively or metaphorically. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context. For a more scientific context, consider using "ant colonies".

What does "streams of ants" typically symbolize in literature?

"Streams of ants" often symbolize relentless effort, collective action, or overwhelming numbers. It can also represent a loss of individuality within a larger group. Depending on the specific application, the symbolism can vary.