swarm away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swarm away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things dispersing or moving away in a hurried or chaotic manner, often in response to a stimulus. Example: "As the loud noise echoed through the park, the bees began to swarm away from their hive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Because the global best individual attracts all members of the swarm, it is possible to lead the swarm away from a current location by mutating a single individual if the mutated individual becomes the new global best.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

"Had beekeepers not arrived to take the swarm away, the bees likely would have taken off a second time in search of a place to set up a new hive.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here, at least, the ball boys are summoned to shoo the swarms away.

The New York Times - Sports

I almost started running for cover, but luckily the swarm buzzed away in another direction.

Yale University

But then, a few hours later or the next day or so, just before the swarm flies away, all of the bees that are dancing on the swarm are indicating the same location.

Cornell University

This is a very good thing as it shows a nice range of outcomes from meditative and buoyant imagery to brazen and bold technique that here, runs the gamut between insightful ink application and carefully placed and embedded nails to an almost meandering metal comb-like swirling, swarming 'clawed-away' bands of gold.

HuffPost

Plenty of apps have tried and failed at creating a popular social planning app, and even Foursquare's Swarm has shied away from being a utility to transform into a multi-layered game.

TechCrunch

Workers stood by to shoo away swarms of flies.

The New York Times

A man sprayed insecticide on the remains to keep away swarms of flies".

The New York Times

GETTING IN The door minder, Andrea, presides over the list and turns away swarms of hopefuls whose names aren't noted.

The New York Times

They swatted away swarms of flies and bees as they paddled to the end of the river and then trekked for miles through the brush.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swarm away" to vividly describe a group's sudden and often chaotic departure from a place or situation, especially when emphasizing a large number of individuals moving together.

Common error

Avoid using "swarm away" when simply describing a group leaving in an organized manner. The term implies a hurried, often panicked, or disorganized departure. For simple departures, phrases like "leave together" or "depart" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swarm away" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a verb combined with an adverbial particle. It describes the action of a group moving quickly and often chaotically away from a location, similar to Ludwig examples involving fleeing from danger or disturbance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarm away" is a phrasal verb used to describe a hurried and often disorganized departure of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for depicting rapid movement. While categorized as rare in frequency, this phrase is commonly found in news, academic and scientific writing. When using the phrase, remember its connotation of a somewhat chaotic departure and avoid using it when describing an organized leaving. Consider alternatives like "disperse quickly" or "scatter rapidly" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disperse quickly

Focuses on the act of scattering rapidly. It's less specific than "swarm away" regarding the manner of movement.

scatter rapidly

Similar to 'disperse quickly', this phrase emphasizes the speed and manner of scattering, but lacks the collective connotation of a swarm.

move en masse

Highlights the collective movement, akin to a swarm. However, it lacks the sense of urgency or escape.

take flight

Suggests a sudden departure, typically associated with birds or aircraft, missing the implication of swarming. Implies an upward direction.

retreat hastily

Emphasizes the act of retreating, often from a threatening situation. The "swarm" element is missing, focusing more on withdrawal.

stampede off

Implies a panicked flight, often by animals. The "swarming" aspect is replaced by chaotic movement.

vanish quickly

Stresses the disappearance of a group but doesn't suggest the specific type of collective movement of a swarm.

flee the area

Highlights the act of running away from a location but omits the collective or swarming component.

disband rapidly

Focuses on the breaking up of a group quickly. Lacks the sense of simultaneous movement in a specific direction.

take off together

Implies a coordinated start of a journey, lacking the hurried or panicked nature of a swarm.

FAQs

How can I use "swarm away" in a sentence?

You can use "swarm away" to describe a group's sudden, often chaotic, departure. For example, "As the loud noise echoed through the park, the bees began to "swarm away" from their hive."

What are some alternatives to "swarm away"?

You can use alternatives like "disperse quickly", "scatter rapidly", or "move en masse" depending on the context.

Is "swarm away" formal or informal?

"Swarm away" is suitable for neutral to informal contexts. It's not typically used in highly formal or scientific writing.

What does "swarm away" imply about the nature of the movement?

"Swarm away" suggests a hurried, somewhat chaotic movement of a group, often implying a response to a stimulus or a desire to escape.