Phrasal verb
crawl with
Definition
phrasal verb. to be completely full of or covered with many moving things, like insects or people. You use this when there are so many things that the whole place seems to be moving.
phrasal verb. to be overrun or densely populated by a large number of moving organisms or people. This phrasal verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'with' to introduce the agent of the crowding.
Examples
“The kitchen floor was crawling with ants after we left the cake out.”
“During the summer festival, the narrow city streets are crawling with tourists and street performers from all over the world.”
“The derelict vessel was crawling with scavengers who stripped the hull of every valuable component before the authorities could secure the perimeter.”
Examples
simple
“The kitchen floor was crawling with ants after we left the cake out.”
contextual
“During the summer festival, the narrow city streets are crawling with tourists and street performers from all over the world.”
complex
“The derelict vessel was crawling with scavengers who stripped the hull of every valuable component before the authorities could secure the perimeter.”
Usage
usually follows the pattern 'place + be crawling with + things'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'teem with' or 'swarm with', noting that 'crawl with' often carries a slightly negative or 'creepy' connotation.
Pitfall
The kitchen was crawling of ants.
The kitchen was crawling with ants.
the verb 'crawl' requires the preposition 'with' to describe being full of something.
Phrasal verb
Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
crawl + with + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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