swarmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'swarmed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a large number of people or things suddenly come together. For example: The park was swarmed by tourists on the sunny day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then the door slammed open and a dozen police officers swarmed into his room.

The Guardian - Books

He had his hands tied from the back and we swarmed to have a look but we were later dispersed by the hunters".

The Guardian

Izbicki, left in the care of his grandmother, stood on the balcony once again and watched as the Hitler Youth swarmed around the family business.

The Guardian

At that point the game's real masters, the big clubs, swarmed angrily on to the field: "We take the risks, we sign the contracts, not FIFA," snorted the German champions, Bayern Munich, whose boss, Franz Beckenbauer, was in his day a legendary player himself.

The Economist

DRUG-COMPANY executives, investment analysts, doctors and academics swarmed into Chicago between May 30th and June 3rd for the year's biggest meeting on cancer.

The Economist

The financial system collapsed as armed groups swarmed across the country.

The Economist

Theirs was just the latest in a series of desperate measures by asylum-seekers whose treatment in Australia's detention centres has prompted criticism by human-rights groups and Australian parliamentarians alike.A year before the latest escape, 500 detainees broke out of their Woomera compound and swarmed through the nearest town shouting, "We want freedom".

The Economist

It swarmed with lounging waiters, officious policemen, dog-walkers pulled to right and left of the path, old ladies knitting.

The Economist

THE home state of Bruce Springsteen and Tony Soprano has long swarmed with corrupt politicians.

The Economist

If China's Communist Party allowed popularity polls, the prime minister, Wen Jiabao, would probably do better than any politician since the days Red Guard fanatics swarmed to Tiananmen Square for a glimpse of their idol, Mao Zedong.

The Economist

A FEW weeks after I visited Fenger Academy, on Chicago's far south side, television cameras swarmed the school.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swarmed" to vividly depict a situation where a large group suddenly gathers or moves in a concentrated manner. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the speed and density of the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "swarmed" to describe slow or gradual gatherings. The word implies a sudden, almost overwhelming influx or movement. Opt for words like "gathered" or "congregated" for more gradual situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swarmed" is as a verb, specifically the past tense of "swarm". It describes the action of a group moving together densely and rapidly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes sudden gatherings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Swarmed" effectively depicts a rapid and dense gathering or movement, suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When using "swarmed", ensure it accurately reflects the sudden and concentrated nature of the described event, avoiding its misuse for gradual gatherings. Alternatives such as "thronged" or "flocked" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Employ it to vividly illustrate dynamic situations, keeping in mind its impact on the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thronged

Indicates a dense gathering of people, differing in emphasis from "swarmed's" often sudden or overwhelming sense.

flocked

Implies a gathering with a shared purpose or destination, unlike the potentially chaotic nature of "swarmed".

descended

Suggests a movement from a higher to a lower position, adding a directional element not always present in "swarmed".

poured

Conveys a continuous and abundant flow, differing from "swarmed's" sense of a concentrated mass.

converged

Indicates a meeting at a common point, emphasizing the act of coming together rather than the mass itself as in "swarmed".

rushed

Implies hurried or impetuous movement, adding a sense of urgency absent from "swarmed" alone.

massed

Highlights the formation of a large, dense group, whereas "swarmed" emphasizes the act of gathering.

teemed

Suggests abundance and activity, more often used with places than with agents like people, unlike "swarmed".

overran

Implies overwhelming and often conquering movement, adding a sense of forcefulness not always present in "swarmed".

overwhelmed

Focuses on the effect of being inundated or overpowered, which is a consequence but not the primary meaning of "swarmed".

FAQs

How can I use "swarmed" in a sentence?

Use "swarmed" to describe a sudden and dense gathering or movement. For instance, "The fans "swarmed" the stage after the concert."

What are some alternatives to "swarmed"?

Depending on the context, you can use "thronged", "flocked", or "converged" as alternatives to "swarmed".

Is it appropriate to use "swarmed" in formal writing?

Yes, "swarmed" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to vividly depict a sudden and concentrated movement. However, consider the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall style of the piece.

What is the difference between "swarmed" and "gathered"?

"Swarmed" implies a rapid, dense movement or gathering, while "gathered" suggests a more gradual and less intense assembly. For example, "The crowd "gathered" slowly," versus "The reporters "swarmed" the politician."