What is their marching formation?

[Yourjones]

Hi,

If they walk like this in a narrow alley, they will block the way.

1. What should I say they are walking if I do not want to use "shoulder by shoulder"?
2. Can I say "others will not be able to 'pass through' if they walk like this in a narrow alley"?

Thanks.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Hi,

If they walk like this in a narrow alley, they will block the way.

1. What should I say they are walking if I do not want to use "shoulder by shoulder"?
2. Can I say "others will not be able to 'pass through' if they walk like this in a narrow alley"?

Thanks.

If their arms were entwined, you could say "arm in arm". As the picture appears to me, "shoulder to shoulder" is the best description. One could also say "side by side".

 

[Tdol]

And you could say that others will not be able to get past.

 

[Barb_D]

Note that marching is an odd choice. They are walking.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Note that marching is an odd choice. They are walking.

If they are protesting, they may well be marching.

 

[Rover_KE]

They are walking/standing/marching in line abreast.

The expression derives from that formation of ships or aircraft.

 

[MikeNewYork]

In AmE, we usually specify three abreast, four abreast, etc.

 

[Tdol]

In AmE, we usually specify three abreast, four abreast, etc.

We do the same.

 

[konungursvia]

I was going to suggest 'walking four abreast' but I see Rover and Mike have given something similar.