swarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "swarm" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is primarily used as a noun, meaning a large number of similar things coming together or moving in formation, such as a swarm of bees. You can also use it as a verb meaning to move quickly in large numbers, as in "people swarmed into the theater." Example sentence: The sky was filled with a loud buzzing as a swarm of bees approached.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Republican elite swarm New Hampshire as host of 2016 hopefuls take the stage The full-to-bursting roster of Republican presidential aspirants expanded again over the weekend after John Kasich, the governor of the crucial swing-state of Ohio, laid the groundwork for a run on the White House with an unusual attack on Wall Street.

The Guardian

Of course, the phrase went round the university like a disturbed swarm of bullying wasps.

The Guardian

Across the UK this weekend, crowds of fans will swarm to the first screenings of Avengers: Age of Ultron, the $250m £165mm) sequel that marks the start of this year's summer blockbuster season.

The Guardian - Film

Imagine someone trying to leave internet comments while fending off a swarm of wasps.

The Guardian

Last year, a swarm of the flying insects clouded the cockpit windows of a domestic flight in the United States and began being sucked into the aircraft's engines.

The Guardian

Never will that be truer than when thousands of Neets wearing flatcaps, toothy grins and Harrington jackets with nothing underneath swarm from the smoke-filled gazebos to cockney-along to this sarf-of-the-river classic.

The Guardian - Music

This week news reached Lost in Showbiz that Lively herself had been attacked by a swarm of bees while on a photoshoot for Preserve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Walmart backed the renewal of the Voting Rights Act in 2006, but the response has been markedly this week different as business leaders formed their equality coalition in a swarm of statements saturating social media.

The Guardian

"One of my doctors thinks it's nanotechnology"; "I was attacked by a swarm of some type of tiny wasps that seemed to inject parts of their bodies under my skin"; "They have bugs on public transport.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their collective noun is a "bloom" or a "swarm".

The Guardian

Mason brought this up before I could, pointing out that the legitimate bundle "has a much larger swarm than any of the illegal versions – that's huge for the industry".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swarm" to describe people, consider the connotations. It often implies a sense of urgency, intensity, or even being overwhelming. Choose it when this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "swarm" in excessively formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "group" or "collection" might be more appropriate. Consider the tone of your piece and choose words that maintain the desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swarm" is as a noun, denoting a large group of insects or other creatures. It can also function as a verb, describing the action of moving together in a large group. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarm" functions primarily as a noun and verb, effectively describing the movement or presence of a large group. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility and grammatical correctness. Its use is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news and media, while maintaining a neutral tone. When choosing alternative phrases, consider nuances of density, movement, and organization. Remember that while "swarm" is grammatically sound and widely used, carefully assess its connotations in formal contexts. Overall, "swarm" is a versatile and effective word to describe large, often moving groups, as validated by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throng

Refers to a dense crowd, highlighting the packed nature of the group more than its movement.

flock

Typically used for birds, but can be applied metaphorically to other groups moving in a coordinated way.

crowd

Suggests a gathering of people, often in a public space.

stream

Suggests a continuous flow or movement of people or things in a particular direction.

gather

Emphasizes the act of coming together in a group, focusing more on the assembly than the size or movement.

horde

Often suggests a large, unruly, or destructive group.

mass

Indicates a large quantity or number, focusing on the collective size rather than individual entities.

multitude

Implies a very large number, emphasizing the sheer quantity.

congregation

Refers to a gathering, often for religious purposes, focusing on the shared activity.

assembly

Highlights a formal gathering for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "swarm" in a sentence?

You can use "swarm" as a noun to describe a large group of insects or people, or as a verb to describe the action of moving together in a large group. For example, "A "swarm of bees" flew into the garden" or "Fans "swarmed the stage" after the concert".

What is a synonym for "swarm" when referring to people?

When referring to people, you can use words like "crowd", "throng", or "horde", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Crowd" is a general term, while "throng" implies a denser gathering and "horde" suggests a less organized, potentially overwhelming group.

Is it correct to use "swarm" to describe abstract things, like ideas?

While less common, "swarm" can be used metaphorically to describe a large number of abstract things, such as ideas or rumors. For example, "A "swarm of rumors" spread through the office". However, ensure the context is appropriate and the metaphor is clear.

What is the difference between "swarm" and "flock"?

"Swarm" is typically used for insects or people moving in a dense mass, while "flock" is more commonly used for birds or sheep. Although they both describe a group moving together, "swarm" often implies a more chaotic or urgent movement, while "flock" suggests a more orderly or directed movement.