swarm of bees

USAGE SUMMARY

"swarm of bees" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a large group of bees, generally when they are moving together in a large number. For example, "The garden was filled with a loud buzzing sound after a swarm of bees descended on the flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Illustration of a swarm of bees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That swarm of bees returned.

The Guardian - Music

Henry Winkler is covered with a swarm of bees.

The New York Times

Even a swarm of bees outside Her Majesty's though so.

The Guardian

Van Ronk's voice sounded like a swarm of bees.

The New Yorker

But a swarm of bees circling the footpaths?

The New York Times

This is what's called a swarm of bees.

Cornell University

(The old saying is "A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon; a swarm of bees in July is not worth a fly").

The New York Times

Hair clippers buzzed like a swarm of bees, water sprayed and jazz played in the background.

The New York Times

#adlfest March 9, 2013 Wait, there was a swarm of bees at the theatre yesterday?

The Guardian

Who has a voice as alive as a swarm of bees.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "swarm of bees", consider the context to determine if a more vivid or descriptive term might be appropriate. For example, use "cloud of bees" if they are dispersed, or "army of bees" if they appear aggressive.

Common error

Avoid using "swarm" interchangeably with "hive" or "nest". A "swarm" is a temporary gathering, usually during relocation, while a hive is a permanent dwelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swarm of bees" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and frequently used, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarm of bees" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a large group of bees. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It frequently appears in "News & Media" and academic contexts. When using the phrase, consider the specific image you want to evoke – a "cloud of bees" might be more appropriate if the bees are dispersed, while "group of bees" is a more neutral alternative. Remember that a "swarm" is different from a permanent "hive" or "nest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of bees

Replaces "swarm" with a more general term, slightly reducing the sense of movement and density.

cluster of bees

Emphasizes the close proximity of the bees, focusing on their arrangement rather than their collective movement.

colony of bees

Shifts the focus from a temporary gathering to a more established and organized group.

cloud of bees

Uses a different visual metaphor, suggesting a dispersed but numerous group, similar to a cloud.

mass of bees

Highlights the sheer quantity and density of the bees, removing any implication of organized movement.

gathering of bees

More neutral, indicating a collection of bees without specifying their behavior or density.

throng of bees

Suggests a densely packed crowd of bees, emphasizing their number and potential for activity.

army of bees

A more dramatic metaphor, implying a coordinated and potentially threatening group of bees.

horde of bees

Implies a large and overwhelming number of bees, often with a negative connotation.

plague of bees

The most negative and extreme metaphor, suggesting a devastating and unwanted infestation.

FAQs

How to use "swarm of bees" in a sentence?

You can use "swarm of bees" to describe a large group of bees moving together. For example, "A "swarm of bees" descended upon the garden, covering the flowers."

What can I say instead of "swarm of bees"?

You can use alternatives like "group of bees", "cluster of bees", or "cloud of bees" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a swarm of bee"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a swarm of bees" because a swarm consists of multiple bees.

What's the difference between "swarm of bees" and "bee colony"?

A ""swarm of bees"" is a temporary group of bees, often in transit, while a bee colony refers to the entire population living in a hive.