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A Plague of Collective Nouns: Surprising Examples that Add Creativity to Language

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A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of individuals or things. In the case of the word "plague," it is typically associated with a devastating and contagious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis throughout history. While the word plague primarily refers to a specific illness, several examples exist where it is utilized as a collective noun to describe animals or other related subjects.

One example of a collective noun that incorporates the word "plague" is a "plague of rats." This phrase conjures the image of a large group of rats, often found infesting particular areas or wreaking havoc, especially in urban environments or places linked with overcrowding or poor sanitation. Plagues of rats can be serious issues due to their potential for spreading disease and causing damage to property.

Another example is a "plague of locusts." Locusts are insects that have a unique behavior that causes them to gather in swarms, particularly in response to specific conditions such as overcrowding. These swarms can be enormous and capable of causing severe damage to crops and vegetation as they voraciously consume everything in their path. Plagues of locusts have been significant and recurring agricultural issues in various parts of the world throughout history.

Additionally, the term "plague" has sometimes been extended metaphorically to describe non-living subjects. For instance, one might refer to a "plague of problems" or a "plague of obstacles" to denote a large and overwhelming quantity of difficulties or challenges confronting an individual or group.

In conclusion, while historically associated primarily with an infectious and deadly disease, the word "plague" can also be used as a collective noun to describe groups of animals, particularly rats or locusts, known for causing widespread damage. Furthermore, it can be extended metaphorically to describe collections of issues or hindrances an individual or group might face.

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Plague of Locusts

A plague of locusts is a captivating collective noun phrase used to describe a rather unsettling and awe-inspiring phenomenon of nature. It refers to a large group or swarm of locusts that overtakes a particular area, causing widespread devastation and en...

Example sentence: A plague of locusts has descended upon the crops, devouring everything in its path

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Plague of Rats

Plague of rats is a vivid and evocative collective noun phrase that describes a large group of rats congregating together. Just uttering these words invokes a sense of distress and unease, as it paints a picture of a swarm of these disease-carrying rodent...

Example sentence: The village was infested with a plague of rats, scurrying through the streets and infiltrating every corner

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Plague of Insects

A plague of insects is a vivid and evocative collective noun phrase that refers to a large and overwhelming gathering of various insect species in a defined area or environment. It denotes a remarkable abundance and intensity of insect numbers, implying t...

Example sentence: A plague of insects descended upon the crops, devouring everything in its path

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Plague of Mosquitoes

A plague of mosquitoes is a collective noun phrase used to describe a large and overwhelming number of these tiny flying insects. The word plague implies an intense and alarming concentration, emphasizing the nuisance and potential health hazards associat...

Example sentence: A plague of mosquitoes descended upon the campground, tormenting the campers and ruining their evenings

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Plague of Flies

A plague of flies is a descriptive term used to represent a large group or gathering of flies. This collective noun phrase vividly captures the overwhelming, bothersome nature of these insects when they congregate in large numbers. When a plague of flies ...

Example sentence: A plague of flies descended upon the picnic, swarming the food and causing chaos

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Plague of Cockroaches

A plague of cockroaches is a vivid and forceful phrase used to describe a large group or swarm of these hated insects. This collective noun phrase effectively captures the repulsion and sense of dread that cockroaches often evoke. A plague implies an over...

Example sentence: I was horrified when I saw a plague of cockroaches infesting my kitchen

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Plague of Weeds

Plague of Weeds is a captivating collective noun phrase that vividly describes a group of weeds in a profound and evocative manner. Here, the word plague assumes a symbolic connotation, capturing the relentless and pervasive nature of the presence and pro...

Example sentence: As farmers struggled to control the spread of invasive plants, a plague of weeds overtook the once flourishing fields

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Plague of Mice

Plague of Mice is a vivid and intriguing collective noun phrase that pertains to a large group or gathering of mice. It immediately conjures up an image of numerous tiny creatures controlled by a common purpose. Plague refers to a sudden outbreak or rapid...

Example sentence: A plague of mice rampaged through the fields, leaving no crops untouched

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Plague of Fleas

A plague of fleas is a descriptive collective noun phrase that vividly conveys an overwhelming and troublesome presence of fleas. Conjuring up images of swarm, infestation, and unease, this phrase represents a large or unnaturally dense population of thes...

Example sentence: During the summer, our backyard was infested with a plague of fleas, making it impossible to enjoy any outdoor activities

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Plague of Beetles

A plague of beetles is a collective noun phrase that vividly captures the overwhelming nature of a large gathering or infestation of beetles. As the term suggests, the collective noun plague instantly conjures images of a vast number of these small insect...

Example sentence: A plague of beetles swarmed the garden, destroying crops and causing havoc

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