swarming with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swarming with" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a place or situation that is filled with a large number of people, animals, or things moving around quickly. Example: The streets were swarming with tourists, making it difficult to navigate through the crowded sidewalks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Marketplaces swarming with innocent civilians?

The New Yorker

Markets swarming with people.

The New York Times

The streets were swarming with newcomers.

The New Yorker

Paris, as always, is swarming with Americans, and these days it's also swarming with hamburgers.

The New Yorker

I. Swarming with lice; over-run with lice.

Yale University

Campuses are swarming with professors who don't teach the truth.

The New York Times

Global development is swarming with seemingly unwieldy datasets.

The Guardian

Several bodies lay bundled in cloth, swarming with flies.

The New York Times

The prison was swimming in drugs and swarming with rats.

The Guardian

It is also swarming with loud European tourists.

The New York Times - Travel

The streets were swarming with people, even after the curfew.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swarming with" to create a vivid image of a place or situation filled with a multitude of entities, whether people, animals, or objects. This phrase adds impact and immediacy to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "swarming with" when referring to a singular subject. The phrase implies a multitude, so it is grammatically incorrect to say "The room was swarming with light." Instead, use a more appropriate descriptor like "The room was filled with light."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swarming with" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something filled with a large number of entities. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it vividly portrays abundance or infestation, enhancing descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swarming with" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that vividly describes places or situations teeming with a multitude of entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, its impact is undeniable. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "replete with" or "abounding in" to maintain a sophisticated register. When using "swarming with", ensure the subject is plural to avoid grammatical errors and enhance the descriptive power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teeming with

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes a lively abundance.

infested with

Implies an undesirable abundance, often of pests or unwanted elements.

crawling with

Often used for insects or small creatures, implying a dense presence.

overrun with

Suggests a situation where something has spread uncontrollably.

brimming with

Suggests fullness to the point of overflowing.

abounding in

Highlights a rich supply or plentiful amount of something.

replete with

Indicates being well-stocked or full.

packed with

Focuses on a dense concentration or crowding.

flush with

Describes having a generous supply of something.

thick with

Emphasizes a dense or heavy presence.

FAQs

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

Use "swarming with" to describe a place or situation filled with a large number of something. For instance, "The streets were "swarming with" tourists" or "The old house was "swarming with" spiders".

What is a good alternative to "swarming with"?

Alternatives to "swarming with" include "teeming with", "overrun with", or "packed with". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "swarming with" in formal writing?

Yes, "swarming with" can be used in formal writing, particularly when aiming to create a vivid or impactful description. However, consider the overall tone and audience to ensure it fits the context. Alternatives like "replete with" might be more suitable in certain formal settings.

What's the difference between "swarming with" and "crawling with"?

"Swarming with" generally describes a large number of entities moving around, while "crawling with" is often used specifically for insects or small creatures and implies a dense, often unpleasant, presence.