B1 Noun (plural) #8 よく出る 10分で読める

armies

The word 'armies' is the plural of 'army.' An army is a very big group of people who are trained to fight in a war. They use guns, tanks, and other tools. When we say 'armies,' we mean more than one group like this. For example, if two countries are at war, they both have armies. You might see armies in movies or read about them in history books. Sometimes, we use the word for big groups of animals, like 'armies of ants.' It just means there are many, many of them and they are moving together. It is a simple word to describe a large group of soldiers.
In A2 English, 'armies' refers to large, organized groups of soldiers. These groups belong to a country and are used for fighting on land. Because it is the plural form of 'army,' we use it when talking about multiple groups. For example, 'The two armies fought a big battle.' You will often hear this word in stories about kings, queens, and history. It is also used to talk about very large groups of things that act like soldiers, such as 'armies of workers' in a big factory. Remember to use 'are' or 'were' with 'armies' because it is plural.
At the B1 level, 'armies' is understood as the primary land-based military force of a nation. It represents an organized system of soldiers, weapons, and vehicles. We use 'armies' to discuss historical events, such as the Napoleonic Wars or World War II, where multiple nations' forces were involved. It is also common to use 'armies' metaphorically to describe a large, disciplined group of people working toward a goal, like 'armies of volunteers.' In this context, it emphasizes the size and the organized nature of the group. You should be comfortable using it in both literal military contexts and more descriptive, figurative ones.
For B2 learners, 'armies' carries a sense of institutional power and logistical complexity. It refers to the collective land forces of states, often discussed in terms of strategy, deployment, and geopolitical influence. You might encounter the word in more complex texts about international relations or military history. Metaphorically, 'armies' is used to convey an overwhelming presence or a highly organized effort, such as 'armies of lobbyists' in politics. At this level, you should recognize the difference between 'armies' (the organizations) and 'troops' (the individuals) and use the word to describe large-scale movements or entities in a sophisticated way.
At the C1 level, 'armies' is a versatile term used to analyze historical trends, military theory, and social phenomena. It often appears in academic or professional discussions about statecraft, where 'standing armies' refers to a permanent military force maintained by a country. The word can also be used to describe ideological or social forces, such as 'armies of the dispossessed' or 'armies of digital activists.' C1 learners should appreciate the nuances of the word, including its historical evolution from feudal levies to modern professional forces, and be able to use it to describe complex, large-scale human or biological systems with precision and stylistic flair.
In C2 English, 'armies' is used with a deep understanding of its historical, political, and metaphorical weight. It can describe the total military apparatus of civilizations or be used in highly abstract ways to discuss forces of nature, economics, or philosophy. A C2 speaker might discuss the 'armies of the mind' or the 'armies of capital' that move across global markets. The word is used to evoke the concepts of mobilization, hierarchy, and collective action on a grand scale. At this level, the focus is on using 'armies' to construct powerful imagery or to engage in high-level discourse about the structures that shape human society and the natural world.

armies 30秒で

  • Armies are large, organized military forces primarily trained for land-based combat and national defense, representing a significant instrument of state power and historical change.
  • As the plural of 'army,' the word refers to multiple distinct military organizations or the collective land forces of different nations involved in a conflict.
  • Metaphorically, 'armies' describes any vast, disciplined, or overwhelming group of people, animals, or things acting in unison, such as 'armies of volunteers.'
  • The word carries connotations of scale, hierarchy, and logistical complexity, appearing frequently in historical, political, fictional, and descriptive contexts to emphasize power and numbers.

The word armies is the plural form of 'army,' representing the most significant and most organized land-based military forces of a nation or state. In its primary sense, it refers to massive groups of soldiers, equipped with weaponry, vehicles, and a complex hierarchy, trained specifically for combat, defense, and strategic operations. Historically, armies have been the primary instruments of geopolitical change, used to expand empires, defend borders, and enforce the will of rulers. However, the term has evolved beyond the battlefield. Today, we use 'armies' to describe any vast, disciplined, or overwhelming group of entities moving with a common purpose. This could range from biological phenomena, like 'armies of ants' devouring everything in their path, to social movements, such as 'armies of volunteers' descending upon a disaster zone to provide aid. The word carries a connotation of power, scale, and inevitability. When you speak of armies, you are not just talking about a few people; you are talking about a force that is difficult to stop and requires significant logistics to maintain.

Military Context
Refers to the land-based military branches of different nations or multiple large divisions within a single great power's military structure.

Throughout history, the clash of great armies has redrawn the maps of entire continents.

Metaphorical Context
Used to describe a large number of people or things involved in a particular activity, often implying they are organized or numerous.

In literature and cinema, armies are often depicted as monolithic forces. Whether it is the grand armies of the Napoleonic era with their colorful uniforms and rigid formations, or the futuristic armies of science fiction equipped with laser weaponry, the core concept remains the same: a collective of individuals acting as a single, powerful organism. The transition from 'army' to 'armies' usually implies a conflict between two or more such entities. For instance, 'The two armies met at dawn' sets a scene of impending confrontation. It is also used in a global sense to discuss the total military strength of the world, as in 'The world's armies are increasingly focusing on cyber warfare.' Understanding this word requires recognizing both its literal weight in human history and its versatile application in modern English to describe scale and organization.

The gardener was horrified to find armies of caterpillars devouring his prize-winning roses.

Logistical Context
Refers to the massive support systems, including food, medical supplies, and transport, required to keep these groups functional.

Modern armies rely as much on technology and intelligence as they do on physical strength.

Using the word armies correctly involves understanding its role as a plural count noun. It follows standard English pluralization rules, where the 'y' in 'army' is replaced by 'ies.' Because it is plural, it always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'armies are,' 'armies were,' 'armies have'). You will often find it paired with verbs of movement or action, such as 'march,' 'clash,' 'retreat,' 'invade,' or 'occupy.' In a sentence, 'armies' can serve as the subject, performing an action, or as the object, receiving one. For example, in 'The general commanded the armies,' 'armies' is the direct object. In 'Armies have shaped the course of human history,' it is the subject. It is also frequently used with possessive adjectives to indicate which nation or leader the forces belong to, such as 'Napoleon's armies' or 'their national armies.'

Subject-Verb Agreement
Always use plural verbs. Correct: 'The armies were ready.' Incorrect: 'The armies was ready.'

By the time the sun set, both armies had suffered heavy losses.

When using 'armies' in a metaphorical sense, the structure remains the same, but the context shifts to non-military subjects. You might say, 'Armies of protesters filled the streets,' where 'armies' emphasizes the size and organization of the crowd. It is common to use the preposition 'of' after 'armies' to specify what the group consists of. This 'armies of [noun]' construction is very productive in descriptive writing. For instance, 'armies of tourists' suggests a large, perhaps slightly annoying, influx of people in a city. 'Armies of ants' suggests a biological collective. In these cases, 'armies' acts as a collective noun that highlights the plurality and the impact of the group as a whole. It is a powerful way to add weight to your descriptions, making a group seem more formidable or significant than if you simply used words like 'many' or 'lots of.'

The tech giant employs armies of coders to maintain its global infrastructure.

In the fantasy novel, the armies of light and darkness fought for the fate of the world.

Prepositional Phrases
Commonly used with 'of' (armies of...), 'against' (armies against...), and 'between' (between the armies).

The word armies is a staple in several specific domains of communication. Most prominently, you will encounter it in historical accounts and documentaries. Historians use it to describe the forces of the past, such as the Roman armies, the Mongol armies, or the Allied armies of World War II. In these contexts, the word is used with precision to denote specific military organizations. Similarly, in news reporting and political analysis, 'armies' is used to discuss current conflicts, military spending, and international defense treaties. You might hear a news anchor say, 'The neighboring countries are mobilizing their armies along the border,' which immediately conveys a sense of high tension and potential war. It is a word that signals serious, large-scale events that affect nations and global stability.

History & Documentaries
Used to detail the size, movements, and battles of past military forces.

History books often focus on the tactical brilliance of commanders who led their armies to victory against all odds.

In the world of fiction, especially in the epic fantasy and science fiction genres, 'armies' is an essential term. Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien or George R.R. Martin use the word to build the scale of their worlds, describing massive clashes between the 'armies of the living' and the 'armies of the dead.' In these stories, the word evokes a sense of grandeur and high stakes. Beyond fiction, you will also hear 'armies' in business and technology circles, though usually metaphorically. A CEO might boast about having 'armies of engineers' working on a new product, or a marketing expert might talk about 'armies of influencers' promoting a brand. In these cases, the word is used to suggest that the sheer number of people involved is a competitive advantage. It transforms a simple workforce into a formidable force for market domination.

The movie features a spectacular battle scene with thousands of CGI armies clashing on a frozen lake.

News & Politics
Used in reports on international relations, defense budgets, and active combat zones.

Political analysts often discuss the cost of maintaining standing armies during times of peace.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with armies is confusing it with the singular possessive form, 'army's.' While they sound very similar in spoken English, their meanings and grammatical functions are entirely different. 'Armies' is the plural of 'army' (more than one army), whereas 'army's' indicates that something belongs to one army (e.g., 'the army's equipment'). Another common error involves subject-verb agreement. Because 'army' is a collective noun that can sometimes take a singular verb (especially in British English), learners might mistakenly use a singular verb with the plural 'armies.' It is crucial to remember that 'armies' is always plural and must always take a plural verb: 'The armies are marching,' never 'The armies is marching.'

Spelling & Punctuation
Confusion between 'armies' (plural) and 'army's' (singular possessive) or 'armies'' (plural possessive).

Incorrect: The armies was defeated. Correct: The armies were defeated.

Another nuance that can lead to mistakes is the distinction between 'armies' and 'troops.' While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Armies' refers to the large, organized military institutions or groups as a whole. 'Troops,' on the other hand, usually refers to the individual soldiers or smaller groups of soldiers within those armies. You might say 'The general led his armies into battle,' but you would say 'Thousands of troops were deployed to the region.' Using 'armies' when you mean 'individual soldiers' can sound slightly unnatural in specific contexts. Additionally, learners sometimes over-apply the metaphorical use. While 'armies of ants' is a common and accepted idiom, calling a small group of three or four people an 'army' or 'armies' would be an exaggeration that might confuse the listener unless used for comedic effect.

Confusing armies with 'troops' can lead to imprecise descriptions of military scale.

Vocabulary Precision
Using 'armies' for small groups or individual soldiers is a common misuse of the word's inherent scale.

Always check if you are referring to multiple military organizations (armies) or just one (army).

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to armies but carry different nuances. 'Forces' is perhaps the most common alternative, often used in the phrase 'armed forces.' It is a broader term that can include the navy and air force, not just the land-based army. 'Legions' is a more poetic or historical term, specifically referring to the units of the ancient Roman army, but used today to describe any very large number of people. 'Battalions' and 'regiments' are more specific military units; an army is made up of many battalions and regiments. Using these more specific terms can make your writing more precise if you are discussing military organization. For example, 'The general moved his battalions into position' is more specific than 'The general moved his armies.'

Armies vs. Forces
'Armies' specifically implies land forces, while 'forces' is a general term for all military branches (army, navy, air force).

While the armies fought on land, the navies battled for control of the seas.

In metaphorical contexts, alternatives to 'armies' include 'hordes,' 'swarms,' or 'multitudes.' 'Hordes' often carries a negative or chaotic connotation, suggesting an unorganized and perhaps threatening crowd (e.g., 'hordes of shoppers'). 'Swarms' is usually reserved for insects or very fast-moving, dense groups (e.g., 'swarms of bees'). 'Multitudes' is a more formal and neutral way to describe a large number of people. If you want to emphasize the discipline and organization of a group, 'armies' is the best choice. If you want to emphasize the chaos or the sheer overwhelming number without the organization, 'hordes' or 'swarms' might be more appropriate. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the 'flavor' you want to give your sentence.

The armies of the industrial revolution were the factory workers who transformed the economy.

Armies vs. Legions
'Legions' sounds more epic, ancient, or numerous, while 'armies' sounds more modern and institutional.

The country's armies were supplemented by local militias during the invasion.

How Formal Is It?

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豆知識

The word 'army' and 'armada' share the same Latin root. While 'army' became the standard English word for land forces, 'armada' was borrowed from Spanish to specifically describe a large fleet of ships.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈɑːmiz/
US /ˈɑːrmiz/
The stress is on the first syllable: ARM-ies.
韻が合う語
harmonies alarms charms farms swarms alarms disarms firearms
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'ies' as 'eyes' instead of 'eez.'
  • Dropping the 'r' sound in American English.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'armies' (plural) and 'army's' (possessive), which sound identical.
  • Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
  • Making the 'z' sound at the end too much like an 's'.

難易度

読解 3/5

The word is common in news and history, making it easy to recognize.

ライティング 4/5

Requires correct pluralization and subject-verb agreement.

スピーキング 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but must be distinguished from the possessive.

リスニング 3/5

Context usually makes it clear whether the singular or plural is being used.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

army soldier war fight group

次に学ぶ

military logistics strategy deployment conflict

上級

geopolitics asymmetric warfare mobilization conscription infantry

知っておくべき文法

Pluralization of nouns ending in -y

army -> armies, city -> cities

Subject-verb agreement with plural nouns

The armies are (not is) ready.

Collective nouns as plurals

When referring to multiple groups, use 'armies'.

Possessive forms of plural nouns ending in -s

The armies' equipment (apostrophe after the s).

Using 'of' with collective nouns

Armies of [noun] is a common descriptive pattern.

レベル別の例文

1

The two armies are very big.

Les deux armées sont très grandes.

Plural subject 'armies' takes the plural verb 'are'.

2

I see armies in the movie.

Je vois des armées dans le film.

Direct object 'armies' follows the verb 'see'.

3

Armies have many soldiers.

Les armées ont beaucoup de soldats.

Plural subject 'armies' takes the plural verb 'have'.

4

The armies march down the street.

Les armées défilent dans la rue.

Present tense verb 'march' for plural subject.

5

Kings had big armies long ago.

Les rois avaient de grandes armées il y a longtemps.

Past tense 'had' used with plural 'armies'.

6

Are the armies fighting?

Est-ce que les armées se battent ?

Interrogative form using 'Are' for plural subject.

7

Armies of ants live in the garden.

Des armées de fourmis vivent dans le jardin.

Metaphorical use with 'of' to specify the group.

8

The armies wear green uniforms.

Les armées portent des uniformes verts.

Plural verb 'wear' matches 'armies'.

1

The armies met in a large field to fight.

Les armées se sont rencontrées dans un grand champ pour se battre.

Past tense 'met' used with plural 'armies'.

2

Many countries have their own armies.

Beaucoup de pays ont leurs propres armées.

Possessive 'their own' emphasizes ownership.

3

The general led his armies across the river.

Le général a mené ses armées de l'autre côté de la rivière.

Plural 'armies' as the object of the verb 'led'.

4

Armies of workers built the Great Wall.

Des armées d'ouvriers ont construit la Grande Muraille.

Metaphorical use for a large, organized workforce.

5

The history book tells stories about ancient armies.

Le livre d'histoire raconte des histoires sur les armées anciennes.

Prepositional phrase 'about ancient armies'.

6

Both armies were tired after the long war.

Les deux armées étaient fatiguées après la longue guerre.

Plural verb 'were' matches 'armies'.

7

Armies use tanks and planes today.

Les armées utilisent des chars et des avions aujourd'hui.

Present tense 'use' for a general fact.

8

The armies of the north and south finally made peace.

Les armées du nord et du sud ont enfin fait la paix.

Specific identification using 'of the north and south'.

1

Modern armies rely on advanced technology for communication.

Les armées modernes s'appuient sur une technologie de pointe pour communiquer.

Present tense 'rely' used for a general truth.

2

The clash of the two armies resulted in a stalemate.

L'affrontement des deux armées a abouti à une impasse.

Noun phrase 'The clash of the two armies' as the subject.

3

Armies of volunteers arrived to help after the earthquake.

Des armées de bénévoles sont arrivées pour aider après le tremblement de terre.

Metaphorical use emphasizing scale and organization.

4

Historians study how armies were supplied in the past.

Les historiens étudient comment les armées étaient ravitaillées autrefois.

Passive voice 'were supplied' in a subordinate clause.

5

The size of national armies has changed over the centuries.

La taille des armées nationales a changé au fil des siècles.

Present perfect 'has changed' refers to 'the size' (singular).

6

Armies often perform humanitarian work during natural disasters.

Les armées effectuent souvent un travail humanitaire lors de catastrophes naturelles.

Adverb 'often' placed before the main verb 'perform'.

7

The two armies were separated by a narrow mountain pass.

Les deux armées étaient séparées par un étroit col de montagne.

Passive voice 'were separated' describes a state.

8

Armies of fans waited outside the stadium for the concert.

Des armées de fans attendaient devant le stade pour le concert.

Metaphorical use for a large, enthusiastic group.

1

The logistics of moving entire armies across continents are incredibly complex.

La logistique du déplacement d'armées entières à travers les continents est incroyablement complexe.

The plural verb 'are' matches the subject 'logistics'.

2

During the Napoleonic era, armies became much larger and more professional.

À l'époque napoléonienne, les armées sont devenues beaucoup plus grandes et plus professionnelles.

Comparative adjectives 'larger' and 'more professional'.

3

The treaty required both nations to reduce the size of their standing armies.

Le traité exigeait que les deux nations réduisent la taille de leurs armées permanentes.

Term 'standing armies' refers to permanent military forces.

4

Armies of lawyers were hired to handle the massive corporate merger.

Des armées d'avocats ont été embauchées pour gérer la fusion massive d'entreprises.

Metaphorical use highlighting the scale of professional help.

5

The strategic deployment of armies can prevent a conflict from escalating.

Le déploiement stratégique des armées peut empêcher un conflit de s'aggraver.

Gerund phrase 'strategic deployment of armies' as the subject.

6

Environmental changes can force armies of animals to migrate to new territories.

Les changements environnementaux peuvent forcer des armées d'animaux à migrer vers de nouveaux territoires.

Metaphorical use for massive animal migrations.

7

The documentary explores the psychological impact of war on opposing armies.

Le documentaire explore l'impact psychologique de la guerre sur les armées opposées.

Adjective 'opposing' describes the relationship between the armies.

8

Armies have historically been the primary tool for territorial expansion.

Les armées ont historiquement été le principal outil d'expansion territoriale.

Present perfect 'have been' with the adverb 'historically'.

1

The transition from feudal levies to professional standing armies marked a significant shift in European statecraft.

La transition des levées féodales aux armées permanentes professionnelles a marqué un tournant important dans la politique européenne.

Contrast between 'feudal levies' and 'standing armies'.

2

Armies of digital bots can be used to manipulate public opinion on social media.

Des armées de bots numériques peuvent être utilisées pour manipuler l'opinion publique sur les réseaux sociaux.

Modern metaphorical use for automated software agents.

3

The sheer scale of the mobilized armies during the Great War was unprecedented in human history.

L'ampleur même des armées mobilisées pendant la Grande Guerre était sans précédent dans l'histoire de l'humanité.

Adjective 'mobilized' describes the state of the armies.

4

Philosophers have often debated the morality of maintaining large standing armies during times of peace.

Les philosophes ont souvent débattu de la moralité du maintien de grandes armées permanentes en temps de paix.

Present perfect 'have debated' for an ongoing discussion.

5

The collapse of the empire led to the fragmentation of its once-mighty armies into local militias.

L'effondrement de l'empire a conduit à la fragmentation de ses armées autrefois puissantes en milices locales.

Noun 'fragmentation' describes the breaking apart of the armies.

6

Armies of researchers are currently working to decode the complexities of the human genome.

Des armées de chercheurs travaillent actuellement à décoder les complexités du génome humain.

Metaphorical use for a large-scale scientific endeavor.

7

The logistical burden of sustaining armies in remote regions often determines the outcome of a campaign.

Le fardeau logistique du maintien des armées dans des régions reculées détermine souvent l'issue d'une campagne.

Noun phrase 'logistical burden of sustaining armies' as the subject.

8

In many dystopian novels, the world is ruled by the private armies of powerful corporations.

Dans de nombreux romans dystopiques, le monde est gouverné par les armées privées de puissantes corporations.

Adjective 'private' distinguishes these from national armies.

1

The geopolitical landscape is often shaped by the latent threat posed by the world's most powerful armies.

Le paysage géopolitique est souvent façonné par la menace latente que représentent les armées les plus puissantes du monde.

Complex passive structure 'threat posed by...'

2

One could argue that the 'armies of capital' are more influential in the modern era than any physical military force.

On pourrait soutenir que les « armées du capital » sont plus influentes à l'ère moderne que n'importe quelle force militaire physique.

Highly abstract metaphorical use of 'armies'.

3

The historical narrative of the 20th century is inextricably linked to the movements and clashes of mass armies.

Le récit historique du XXe siècle est inextricablement lié aux mouvements et aux affrontements des armées de masse.

Adjective 'inextricably' emphasizes the deep connection.

4

Armies of the dispossessed, driven by climate change and conflict, are reshaping the demographics of entire regions.

Des armées de dépossédés, poussées par le changement climatique et les conflits, remodèlent la démographie de régions entières.

Metaphorical use for large-scale human migration.

5

The obsolescence of traditional armies in the face of asymmetric warfare is a central theme in modern military theory.

L'obsolescence des armées traditionnelles face à la guerre asymétrique est un thème central de la théorie militaire moderne.

Noun 'obsolescence' refers to the state of being no longer useful.

6

The sheer inertia of large bureaucratic armies can make them slow to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes.

L'inertie même des grandes armées bureaucratiques peut les rendre lentes à s'adapter à des paysages technologiques qui évoluent rapidement.

Metaphorical use of 'inertia' to describe organizational resistance.

7

Poets have often depicted the 'armies of the night' as symbols of the chaotic and destructive forces within the human psyche.

Les poètes ont souvent dépeint les « armées de la nuit » comme des symboles des forces chaotiques et destructrices de la psyché humaine.

Literary and psychological metaphorical use.

8

The mobilization of industrial armies during the mid-20th century fundamentally altered the relationship between the state and the individual.

La mobilisation des armées industrielles au milieu du XXe siècle a fondamentalement modifié la relation entre l'État et l'individu.

Term 'industrial armies' refers to the total workforce mobilization.

よく使う組み合わせ

standing armies
opposing armies
mobilize armies
armies of ants
armies of volunteers
clash of armies
command armies
armies of fans
defeated armies
armies of lawyers

よく使うフレーズ

join the armies

lead the armies

supply the armies

disband the armies

armies of the world

between the armies

armies on the march

size of the armies

armies of the night

modern armies

よく混同される語

armies vs army's

This is the singular possessive (belonging to one army). 'Armies' is plural.

armies vs armies'

This is the plural possessive (belonging to multiple armies).

armies vs armys

This is a common misspelling. The correct plural is 'armies.'

慣用句と表現

"an army marches on its stomach"

Soldiers need good food and supplies to fight effectively.

The general knew that an army marches on its stomach, so he prioritized logistics.

proverbial

"one-man army"

A person who can do the work of many people or who is very powerful alone.

In the action movie, the hero is a one-man army who defeats everyone.

informal

"armies of the dispossessed"

Large groups of people who have lost their homes or rights.

The crisis created armies of the dispossessed seeking refuge in other countries.

literary

"fight like an army"

To fight with great discipline and collective strength.

The small team worked together and fought like an army to win the game.

descriptive

"raise an army"

To gather and organize a large group of people for a specific purpose.

The activist managed to raise an army of supporters for the new law.

metaphorical

"armies of the mind"

The thoughts and ideas that can be powerful and influential.

The philosopher spoke about the 'armies of the mind' that shape our reality.

philosophical

"march with the armies"

To be part of a large, collective movement or event.

He felt like he was marching with the armies of history during the protest.

literary

"armies of occupation"

Military forces that stay in a foreign country after defeating it.

The armies of occupation remained in the territory for several years.

political

"the clash of armies"

A major conflict or disagreement between large groups.

The debate was like a clash of armies, with neither side willing to back down.

metaphorical

"armies of the dead"

A common trope in fantasy referring to undead soldiers.

The heroes had to face the armies of the dead in the final battle.

fictional

間違えやすい

armies vs troops

Both refer to military people.

'Armies' refers to the large organizations; 'troops' refers to the individual soldiers.

The armies were made up of thousands of troops.

armies vs forces

Both mean military power.

'Forces' is broader and includes the navy and air force.

The nation's armed forces include its armies and its navy.

armies vs legions

Both mean large groups.

'Legions' is more literary or historical.

Legions of fans waited for the band.

armies vs battalions

Both are military units.

'Battalions' are smaller parts of an army.

An army consists of several battalions.

armies vs militias

Both are armed groups.

'Militias' are usually non-professional or emergency forces.

The regular armies were supported by local militias.

文型パターン

A1

The [armies] are [adjective].

The armies are big.

A2

There are [armies] of [noun].

There are armies of ants.

B1

[Armies] were [verb-ed] by [noun].

Armies were led by the king.

B2

The [noun] of the [armies] is [adjective].

The size of the armies is huge.

C1

[Armies] of [noun] are [verb-ing] the [noun].

Armies of researchers are studying the virus.

C2

The [noun] posed by [armies] is [adjective].

The threat posed by standing armies is significant.

B1

Both [armies] [verb] [adverb].

Both armies fought bravely.

B2

Despite the [noun], the [armies] [verb].

Despite the rain, the armies marched.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

関連

使い方

frequency

Common in history, news, and literature.

よくある間違い
  • The armies is marching. The armies are marching.

    'Armies' is plural and requires a plural verb.

  • The two armys met. The two armies met.

    The plural of 'army' is spelled 'armies.'

  • The army's were defeated. The armies were defeated.

    Do not use an apostrophe for a simple plural.

  • He led a armies. He led an army. / He led armies.

    'A' is for singular; 'armies' is plural.

  • The armies uniform was red. The armies' uniforms were red.

    Use the plural possessive 'armies'' for uniforms belonging to multiple armies.

ヒント

Plural Verbs

Always use 'are,' 'were,' or 'have' with 'armies.' For example: 'The armies have arrived.'

Metaphorical Use

Use 'armies of...' to describe a large, organized group of anything to make your writing more vivid.

The Y to IES Rule

Remember that nouns ending in a consonant + y always change to -ies in the plural.

Armies vs. Army

Use 'army' for one group and 'armies' when talking about forces from different countries or multiple divisions.

Precision

In military writing, use 'armies' for the highest level of organization and 'battalions' for smaller units.

Historical Context

When reading history, 'armies' often refers to the specific forces of a particular king or nation.

Animal Groups

'Armies' is a great word for describing the collective behavior of ants or locusts.

The Z Sound

The ending of 'armies' should sound like a 'z,' not a sharp 's.'

Epic Feel

Use 'armies' to give your stories a sense of grand scale and high stakes.

Professional Scale

In business, 'armies of...' suggests a massive investment in human resources.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of many 'ARM's holding weapons. Since there are many, you need the plural 'ARMies.'

視覚的連想

Imagine two massive groups of ants (armies of ants) wearing tiny helmets and marching in perfect lines.

Word Web

soldiers war tanks general march battle uniform defense

チャレンジ

Try to use 'armies' in three different ways today: once for a military group, once for animals, and once for a group of people (like fans or workers).

語源

Derived from the Old French 'armée,' which comes from the Latin 'armata,' meaning 'armed force.' It is the feminine past participle of 'armare,' meaning 'to arm.'

元の意味: Originally referred to any armed expedition or force, not necessarily a permanent national institution.

Indo-European > Latin > Romance > English.

文化的な背景

Be mindful when discussing armies in regions with recent or ongoing conflicts, as the word can carry strong emotional weight.

The 'Tartan Army' is a famous nickname for Scotland's national football team fans, showing the word's use in sports.

The 'Terracotta Army' of China's first emperor. The 'Grand Armée' of Napoleon Bonaparte. The 'Armies of the Night' by Norman Mailer.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

History Class

  • ancient armies
  • medieval armies
  • the clash of armies
  • victorious armies

News Reports

  • mobilizing armies
  • border armies
  • national armies
  • armies on alert

Nature Documentaries

  • armies of ants
  • marching armies
  • insect armies
  • vast armies

Fantasy Novels

  • armies of darkness
  • undead armies
  • grand armies
  • armies of the king

Business/Marketing

  • armies of workers
  • armies of coders
  • armies of fans
  • armies of lawyers

会話のきっかけ

"Do you think countries will still need large standing armies in the future?"

"What are some of the most famous armies in history that you know about?"

"Have you ever seen 'armies of ants' in your garden or house?"

"Why do you think we use the word 'armies' to describe large groups of fans?"

"If you were a general, how would you lead your armies to victory?"

日記のテーマ

Write about a time you saw a massive group of people or animals that looked like 'armies.'

Imagine you are a soldier in one of the ancient armies. Describe your daily life.

Discuss the pros and cons of a country having very large armies during peacetime.

How has the technology used by armies changed from the past to the present?

Describe a fictional world where the armies are made of something unusual (like robots or shadows).

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, 'armies' is the plural form of 'army.' It always refers to more than one army and takes a plural verb.

Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically for large groups of animals that move together, most famously 'armies of ants.'

A standing army is a permanent, professional military force that a country maintains even when it is not at war.

The correct spelling is 'armies.' You change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es.'

'Armies' are the big organizations, while 'troops' are the soldiers inside them. You lead armies, but you count troops.

It would be an exaggeration. You might say it jokingly if you have a very large and organized group of friends, but usually, it's for much larger groups.

While 'army' is a collective noun, 'armies' is simply the plural form of that collective noun.

These are two or more armies that are fighting against each other in a war or conflict.

Yes, metaphorically. For example, 'armies of lawyers' or 'armies of consultants' describes a large number of professionals working on a project.

It's a literary phrase that can refer to dark forces, protesters, or even just people active at night, depending on the context.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Write a sentence using 'armies' to describe a group of animals.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about two armies fighting in a historical battle.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'armies of volunteers' in a sentence about a natural disaster.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Explain the importance of logistics for modern armies.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Compare 'armies' and 'troops' in two sentences.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a short story (3 sentences) using the word 'armies' twice.

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writing

Describe a 'one-man army' in a fictional context.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Discuss the metaphorical use of 'armies of fans.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a formal sentence about national defense and armies.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'armies of digital bots' in a sentence about social media.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using the plural possessive 'armies''.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe the 'armies of the night' in a poetic way.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about the size of ancient armies.

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writing

Use the word 'mobilize' with 'armies.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'armies of workers' in a factory.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Explain what a 'defeated army' might do.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'armies of researchers.'

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writing

Use 'armies' in a sentence about a fantasy novel.

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writing

Write a sentence about the cost of maintaining armies.

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writing

Describe the movement of 'armies of ants.'

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speaking

Explain what 'armies' are to a child.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a movie scene involving armies.

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speaking

Discuss the metaphorical use of 'armies of ants.'

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speaking

What are the challenges of leading large armies?

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speaking

How have armies changed over the last 100 years?

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speaking

Talk about 'armies of volunteers' helping after a disaster.

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speaking

Why do countries have standing armies during peace?

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speaking

Describe a 'one-man army' character from a book or film.

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speaking

What does 'an army marches on its stomach' mean to you?

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speaking

Discuss the impact of 'armies of digital bots' on society.

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speaking

How would you describe the sound of marching armies?

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speaking

What is the difference between an army and a militia?

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speaking

Talk about the 'Terracotta Army' in China.

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speaking

Why do we use 'armies' for fans of famous people?

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speaking

What are 'armies of the night' in your opinion?

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speaking

Describe the logistics needed for armies in a remote area.

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speaking

Is it better to have a large army or a high-tech one?

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speaking

Talk about a historical battle between two famous armies.

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speaking

How do armies help during natural disasters?

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speaking

What is the role of a general in commanding armies?

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The armies were deployed to the border.' What happened to the armies?

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listening

Listen: 'Armies of fans waited for the singer.' Who was waiting?

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listening

Listen: 'Both armies suffered heavy losses.' Did the armies win easily?

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listening

Listen: 'The general commanded three armies.' How many groups did he lead?

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listening

Listen: 'Armies of ants are in the kitchen.' Where are the ants?

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listening

Listen: 'The treaty reduced the size of the armies.' Did the armies get bigger or smaller?

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listening

Listen: 'Modern armies use drones.' What technology is mentioned?

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listening

Listen: 'The clash of armies was heard for miles.' What was heard?

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listening

Listen: 'Armies of volunteers are cleaning the park.' What are they doing?

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listening

Listen: 'The defeated armies retreated.' What did the armies do?

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listening

Listen: 'Standing armies are expensive to maintain.' What is the problem with standing armies?

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listening

Listen: 'The two armies signed a truce.' Are they still fighting?

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listening

Listen: 'Armies of researchers are studying the virus.' Who is studying the virus?

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listening

Listen: 'The armies marched through the rain.' What was the weather like?

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listening

Listen: 'Napoleon's armies were very powerful.' Whose armies were they?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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