marches
B1Formal to Neutral (verb). Formal/Historical (noun, border sense).
Definition
Meaning
1) Third person singular present tense or plural form of the verb 'march': to walk with regular, deliberate steps, often as part of a group. 2) Plural noun: border regions or frontier territories.
Noun: 1) Organized, rhythmic walking by soldiers or demonstrators. 2) A piece of music composed to accompany marching. Verb: 1) To walk purposefully and with determination. 2) To force someone to walk somewhere quickly. 3) To progress steadily (time marches on).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'marches' often implies organization, discipline, or collective purpose. The plural noun 'marches' (border regions) is primarily historical but used metaphorically in modern contexts (e.g., 'the marches of knowledge'). The singular 'march' is far more common for the event or the musical piece.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun sense 'border regions' is more strongly associated with UK/British Isles history (e.g., Welsh Marches). In the US, 'marches' as a plural noun is almost exclusively used for protest events or military movements. The verb usage is identical.
Connotations
UK: Historical, geographical connotations stronger. US: Primarily associated with military, protests, and parades.
Frequency
The verb form is equally frequent. The historical/geographical noun is significantly more frequent in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] marches + ADV/PREP (The army marches north)[sb] marches [sb] + ADV/PREP (She marched him to the office)[time] marches onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Steal a march on someone”
- “March to the beat of your own drum”
- “On the march”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The competition marches ahead with new technology." (Metaphorical use for steady progress)
Academic
"The political marches of the 1960s were pivotal in civil rights history."
Everyday
"She marches into the room and demands an explanation."
Technical
"The robot marches precisely along the pre-programmed grid." (Engineering/Robotics)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regiment marches past the Queen.
- He marches his son to school every day.
- Spring marches in, ignoring the last frost.
American English
- The band marches in the Thanksgiving Day parade.
- The supervisor marched him straight to HR.
- Technology marches on relentlessly.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldiers march in a line.
- We saw many marches in the festival.
- She marches into the office every morning full of energy.
- The history book described the old Welsh marches.
- The protest marches continued for weeks, demanding political change.
- Time marches on, and we must adapt to new circumstances.
- The general marches his troops through the contested border marches, a symbolic reassertion of control.
- Her research marches boldly into the uncharted marches of quantum biology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MARCH with many 'ES' (plural 's') - either many soldiers marching, or many border regions.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOVEMENT; TIME IS A MOVING ENTITY; DISCIPLINE IS REGULAR MOVEMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'марши' (only the musical pieces or events). The verb 'to march' is not 'маршировать' in the sense of walking angrily; it's closer to 'идти строем' or 'шагать решительно'. The border 'marches' is a false friend for 'март' (March, the month).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'marches' as a singular noun for an event (incorrect: 'a marches was held'; correct: 'a march was held'). Confusing 'marches on' (continues) with 'marches on' (attacks).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'marches' most likely to refer to a geographical area?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'marches' is always plural. The singular is 'march' for both the verb form (he/she/it marches) and the noun (a march, the march).
Yes, they are homographs (same spelling) but different words with distinct etymologies. The verb comes from French 'marcher' (to walk). The border noun comes from Old French 'marche' (frontier).
"Marches on" is used metaphorically to mean 'continues without stopping,' most commonly with 'time' (Time marches on). It is not used for physical attack in modern English.
A march implies purposeful, often protest or military walking. A parade is a celebratory procession for display and entertainment, though marching bands can be in parades.