teeming mass

USAGE SUMMARY

"teeming mass" is a valid expression in written English and it can be used to describe a large group of people.
For example, "The teeming mass of people outside the stadium was a sign of the popularity of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Humanity is really just one teeming mass.

The New York Times - Magazine

The hammer, having somehow miraculously missed the teeming mass of pedestrians who hurried along beneath us, lay next to a parking meter.

The New York Times

The results: a teeming mass of SoundCloud sound-alikes making technically perfect but creatively derivative EDM. .

Vice

Instruments have gotten more powerful, software has gotten cheaper, and the once brave few that used to call themselves "deejays" have swollen into a hungry, teeming mass.

Vice

From the woman who defiantly recounts the pawing and grabbing of her private parts even as her voice is quavering, to the man whose urine bag has ruptured, leaving him drenched in his own urine -- day after day, by the hundreds if not more, we are creating a teeming mass of broken, abased individuals who are fast becoming the new victims of "the war on terror".

Huffington Post

Not the teeming mass in the rain forest, for sure.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The sea is also home to teeming masses of marine life, many of which are detrimental to ships.

Britannica

In Blomkamp's film, the teeming masses of humanity are suddenly eligible for Elysium's entire healthcare system.

The Guardian - Film

Home to several hundred shops and eateries, this subterranean area serves the teeming masses who traverse the station daily.

The New York Times - Travel

Exhibits are planned to tell the full story of the teeming masses, including African slaves, displaced Indians, modern globetrotters and Know-Nothing nativists.

The New York Times

FENCES, soldiers, infra-red cameras: the United States goes to great lengths to hold back the teeming masses across its southern border (see article).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "teeming mass" when you want to emphasize the large number and density of a group, often with a sense of activity or energy.

Common error

While "teeming mass" is acceptable in news and general writing, avoid it in overly formal or academic contexts where more precise language might be preferred. For example, the sentence The university campus was home to a "teeming mass" of students could be The university campus hosted a large number of students

Linguistic Context

The phrase "teeming mass" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a large group characterized by activity and abundance, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "teeming mass" is a valid and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a large, active group of people or things. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral register. While not overly formal, it effectively conveys a sense of abundance and activity. Related phrases such as "crowded multitude" or "dense throng" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific context. Remember to use "teeming mass" when you want to emphasize the high density and energetic activity of a group. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is indeed valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teeming throng

Replaces "mass" with "throng", another word for a large gathering.

packed multitude

Focuses on the fullness and numerousness of the group.

crowded multitude

Replaces "teeming" with "crowded" and "mass" with "multitude", focusing on the density and number of people.

dense throng

Emphasizes the compactness and close proximity within the group.

burgeoning mass

Emphasizes the growth and expansion of the large group.

jam-packed crowd

Uses more informal language to describe a very full and crowded group.

swarming horde

Implies movement and a slightly chaotic feel to the large group.

seething crowd

Indicates a sense of unrest or suppressed energy within the group.

vast concourse

Highlights the scale and openness of the area filled with the large group.

great assembly

Suggests a more organized or purposeful gathering.

FAQs

How can I use "teeming mass" in a sentence?

You can use "teeming mass" to describe a large, crowded group of people or things. For example, "The city square was filled with a "teeming mass" of protesters."

What are some alternatives to "teeming mass"?

Some alternatives include "crowded multitude", "dense throng", or "jam-packed crowd" depending on the context.

Is "teeming mass" a formal or informal expression?

"Teeming mass" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for news reporting and general writing, but less appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts.

What does the word "teeming" imply in the phrase "teeming mass"?

In "teeming mass", "teeming" implies a sense of abundance, activity, and often a densely packed or overflowing quality.