swarm over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swarm over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of people or animals moving in the same direction. For example: "A swarm of bees flew over the shed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He didn't use the word "infest", which my Chambers dictionary describes as to "swarm over, cover or fill in a troublesome, unpleasant or harmful way, to invade and live on as a parasite".

The Guardian - Opinion

Swarm over, Death!

The Guardian

People swarm over".

The New York Times

People swarm over the house, tearing up floors and plaster.

The New Yorker

"There's a reason flies swarm over rotten eggs".

The New York Times

Legions of black-clad ninjas swarm over the decks.

The Guardian

Journalists and bloggers swarm over the shutdown like ants on a dropped twinkie.

The Economist

On weekends, children, some as young as ten, swarm over the rocks.

The Guardian

More will swarm over it at the Frankfurt auto show next month.

The New York Times

Like flies, dying in a swarm over the rotting carcass of discrimination?

The Guardian - Opinion

Owls, bats and monsters swarm over him, while a wide-eyed cat is on the floor next to him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swarm over" to vividly describe a large group moving and covering something quickly and densely.

Common error

Avoid using "swarm over" to describe slow or gentle movements. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving a rapid, dense, and often overwhelming movement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swarm over" is that of a phrasal verb, describing the action of moving in large numbers to cover or surround something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, aligning with example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarm over" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that vividly describes the action of moving en masse to cover or surround something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used correctly in numerous contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, the phrase is best suited for scenarios involving rapid and dense movement, avoiding inappropriate use in slower or gentler contexts. Alternatives such as "overrun", "descend upon", and "converge on" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overrun

Implies a more forceful and negative takeover or spread.

descend upon

Suggests a sudden and often unexpected arrival in large numbers.

converge on

Focuses on multiple entities moving towards a single point.

throng around

Emphasizes a dense crowd surrounding something.

flood

Implies a large quantity overflowing or covering something.

invade

Suggests a hostile or unwelcome intrusion.

cover

Indicates a widespread presence or layer over something.

fill

Focuses on occupying the entirety of a space.

spread across

Highlights the extensive distribution over an area.

cascade over

Emphasizes a downward movement or flow.

FAQs

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

You can use "swarm over" to describe a large group of people or things moving quickly to cover or surround something, such as "The crowd began to "swarm over" the stage after the concert ended".

What is a good alternative to "swarm over"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "overrun", "descend upon", or "converge on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "swarm over" in formal writing?

While "swarm over" can be used in formal writing, be mindful of its vivid imagery. In some cases, a more neutral term like "gather around" or "congregate at" may be more suitable.

What kind of imagery does "swarm over" evoke?

"Swarm over" typically evokes imagery of insects or a large, somewhat chaotic group moving rapidly and densely. Consider this connotation when choosing to use the phrase.