What are the definitions of “crawl with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To be full of or infested with.
The food was crawling with flies.
- 2To be filled or overrun with.
The town was crawling with police.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “crawl with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb crawl with is to be full of or infested with something, usually in a negative way. It is often used to describe a place that has a lot of insects, animals, or people.
What are the different verb forms of “crawl with”?
| Root Verb | crawl with |
| Third Person Singular Present | crawls with |
| Present Participle | crawling with |
| Simple Past | crawled with |
| Past Participle | crawled with |
Example
The kitchen was crawling with ants.
Example
The old house crawls with spiders.
Example
The park is crawling with people on a sunny day.
Example
The abandoned building crawled with rats.
Example
The city streets had crawled with protesters during the demonstration.
What kind of phrasal verb is “crawl with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“crawl with” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The forest floor crawled with insects.
Example
The concert venue crawled with excited fans.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“crawl with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The forest floor crawled with insects.
Example
The concert venue crawled with excited fans.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “crawl with”?
To be filled with excitement or anticipation.
Example
The children were crawling with excitement before the birthday party.
Good things to know
Does “crawl with” have an informal or formal tone?
Crawl with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “crawl with”?
Synonyms
- teem with
- swarm with
- abound with
- be infested with
- be full of
- overflow with
- be overrun with
Antonyms
- lack
- be devoid of
- be empty of
- be free from
- be without
