What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swarming
Example
The bees were swarming around the hive. [swarming: verb]
Example
The city streets were swarming with tourists. [swarming: present participle]
teeming
Example
The river was teeming with fish. [teeming: verb]
Example
The market was teeming with shoppers. [teeming: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teeming is less common than swarming in everyday language. Swarming is often used to describe insects or animals moving together, while teeming is more versatile and can refer to any living organism or crowded place.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swarming and teeming?
Both swarming and teeming are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversation or writing.
