swarmed over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swarmed over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a large number of people or things move quickly and in a disorganized manner over a particular area or object. Example: "The children swarmed over the playground as soon as the bell rang, eager to enjoy their recess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor were they to be swarmed over by tourists.

Independent

And around these were piles and piles of garbage, sorted by type and swarmed over by flies.

The New York Times

It is bound to the daily contemplation of gilded palaces given over to diminished business and beautiful ruins swarmed over by the Japanese.

The New York Times

West Ham really struggled, swarmed over by the hosts, and were reduced to hitting Andy Carroll quickly – a ploy Sam Allardyce would not have envisaged when setting up his impressive-looking attacking four.

Independent

This "reject's salon" was immediately swarmed over by the owners of the burgeoning art galleries.

Vice

As the soldiers formed a convoy and tried to leave the perimeter, the PVA 241st Regiment immediately swarmed over the American forces, with three other regiments closing in.

Wikipedia

Violence engulfed the Caribbean city on Tuesday as looters swarmed over 60 shops after a rally of protesters demanding food got out of control.

Vice

Slavs swarmed over the Balkan Peninsula.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tiny flies swarmed over the mud and around his face.

The New Yorker

The attackers swarmed over the disputed Himalayan border.

The Economist

Duce!" had swarmed over the Piazza del Campidoglio, threatening the fabric of Michelangelo's peerless urban space.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swarmed over" to vividly describe situations where a large group moves quickly and densely towards something, creating a sense of being overwhelmed or inundated.

Common error

Avoid using "swarmed over" to describe slow, gradual movements or the actions of small groups. The phrase implies a rapid, overwhelming influx.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swarmed over" is a phrasal verb acting as a descriptive predicate. It vividly portrays a scene where a group rapidly moves and covers a specific area or object. Ludwig examples show usage in news, literature, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarmed over" is a phrasal verb used to describe a rapid, dense, and often overwhelming movement of a group towards a specific location or object. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a quick and intense movement, avoiding its application to slow or small-scale actions. Consider alternatives like "overran" or "descended upon" for nuanced variations. Ludwig provides a wealth of examples to further illustrate its appropriate usage, making it a valuable resource for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overran

Focuses on the act of exceeding limits or capacity, often implying a takeover or conquest.

descended upon

Suggests a sudden and often forceful arrival or attack.

poured over

Implies a continuous flow or influx onto something.

converged on

Describes movement from different directions towards a single point.

thronged around

Indicates a dense crowd gathering closely around something.

flocked to

Implies a gathering of many individuals, often driven by a shared interest or opportunity.

rushed towards

Highlights the speed and eagerness of the movement.

crowded around

Emphasizes the density and proximity of the gathering.

massed around

Focuses on the large number of individuals forming a concentrated group.

overwhelmed

Indicates being overcome by a large number or force.

FAQs

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

Use "swarmed over" to describe a large group moving quickly and densely toward a specific location or object, such as "The fans "flocked to" the stage after the concert" or "The reporters "converged on" the scene of the accident".

What are some alternatives to "swarmed over"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "overran", "descended upon", "thronged around", or ""flocked to"" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

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

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In very formal contexts, a more precise or less evocative alternative might be preferable. However, in many news and general writing contexts, "swarmed over" is perfectly appropriate.

What is the difference between "swarmed over" and "crowded around"?

"Swarmed over" implies a more rapid, overwhelming movement, while "crowded around" suggests a dense gathering without necessarily implying rapid movement.