swarming around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swarming around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things moving in a chaotic or busy manner around a particular point or object. Example: "The bees were swarming around the blooming flowers, creating a buzz in the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Volunteers were swarming around, but every situation should have had local people to guide things".

The New York Times

"There was fruit on the ground under the peach trees, and bees, wasps and butterflies were swarming around, feasting on it.

The New York Times - Books

Swarming around!

TechCrunch

The same is probably true for the clouds swarming around the Milky Way.

Science Magazine

"We also have to try and fight for the players we have because, no doubt, other clubs will be swarming around and try and take them," Keane said.

BBC

A thousand bees are swarming around, near an attic window.

The New Yorker

Customers are swarming around Waterall Brothers butcher's stall.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Trainers swarmed around him.

The New Yorker

People swarmed around her.

The New York Times

They swarmed around us.

The New York Times

Men swarmed around the vehicles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swarming around" to vividly depict a scene where many entities are actively moving around a central point, creating a sense of activity or even chaos. For example, "Photographers were swarming around the celebrity as she exited the building."

Common error

While "swarming around" is descriptive, overuse in formal contexts can sound hyperbolic or informal. Choose more neutral phrases like "surrounding" or "gathering around" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swarming around" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a verb and describe the manner in which subjects are moving or behaving in relation to an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarming around" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase that vividly depicts the movement of multiple entities around a central point. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it's commonly used in news, media, and general contexts to convey activity or even chaos. While appropriate for many situations, consider using more neutral alternatives in highly formal settings. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its broad applicability, while related phrases offer options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Buzzing around

Suggests a frenetic activity and movement around something, similar to the behavior of bees.

Flocking to

Emphasizes movement towards a specific location in a large group, implying a purpose or destination.

Teeming around

Emphasizes abundance and a great quantity of individuals or things.

Surrounding

Focuses on the physical placement around something, lacking the sense of movement or activity.

Mobbing around

Conveys a sense of aggressive or overwhelming movement around a subject.

Gathering around

Suggests a deliberate coming together of individuals, implying a meeting or assembly.

Clustering around

Focuses on the density of the group and the close proximity of individuals.

Huddling around

Implies a closer proximity and often suggests protection or warmth.

Congregating around

Suggests a formal gathering or assembly for a specific purpose.

Hanging around

Implies a casual or aimless presence in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "swarming around" in a sentence?

You can use "swarming around" to describe a group of people or things moving in a chaotic or busy manner around a particular point or object. For instance, "Bees were swarming around the hive" or "Reporters were swarming around the politician".

What's a less intense alternative to "swarming around"?

If you want to convey a less intense image, consider alternatives such as "gathering around" or "surrounding". These options suggest a less chaotic or overwhelming presence.

Is "swarming around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "swarming around" may be too informal or vivid for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "congregating around" or "assembling around" for a more professional tone.

What kind of imagery does "swarming around" evoke?

"Swarming around" suggests a sense of intense activity, often with a connotation of chaos or urgency. It's similar to how insects might swarm, implying a large number of entities moving in a somewhat disorganized manner.