a flock of doves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flock of doves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of doves, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As the sun set, a flock of doves took flight, their wings glistening in the golden light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

When he removed it, a flock of doves and pigeons would fly out.

The New York Times

It was meant to be a dignified tribute on Sept. 11: a flock of doves soaring majestically past Lower Manhattan's altered skyline.

The New York Times

Just as federal agents are carting them off, the cocaine stashed in the trunk of their car morphs into a flock of doves.

The New York Times - Arts

Meredith goes to a private school whose eighth-grade graduation ceremony involves no small bit of pageantry: It culminates with the release of a flock of doves.

The New York Times - Travel

B3 9/11 Tribute Goes Awry It was meant to be a dignified tribute on Sept. 11: a flock of doves soaring majestically past Lower Manhattan's altered skyline.

The New York Times

LUSARAT, Armenia — Vazgen Shmavonyan keeps a flock of doves at an Armenian Orthodox pilgrimage site here, and they readily venture across the border into Turkey, less than a mile away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"I used to go shooting with my father and say: 'Look Dad, a flock of turtle doves!

The Guardian

Half of the choir wore white gloves and, instead of singing, gestured in time to the music, looking like a flock of white doves suddenly disturbed or launched into coordinated flight.

The New York Times

The band played the Vatican and Jordan anthems and a flock of white doves, symbolic of peace and friendship, fluttered into the air.From Amman the papal cavalcade sped through the hills towards Jerusalem, making brief stops at the Jordan and at Bethany, where Lazarus was summoned back to life.

The Economist

When he wakes up every morning is there  a flock of magical doves circling above his bed.

Vice

But, then, after the stag is shot with an arrow, it transforms itself into a flock of white doves and flies away.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flock of doves" to evoke imagery of peace, purity, or a celebratory release, as doves are often associated with these concepts. Consider the symbolic weight of the phrase in your writing.

Common error

While "flight" and "flock" can both describe groups of birds, avoid using "flight" when referring to doves that are not actively flying. "Flock" refers to the group itself, regardless of their activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flock of doves" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct. It refers to a collection of doves, often with symbolic or descriptive intent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flock of doves" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to a group of doves. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used and carries connotations of peace and new beginnings. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, though it can be elevated by context. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its symbolic weight and choose the term 'flock' over 'flight' if the doves aren't actively soaring. For alternative expressions, consider "a group of doves" or "a flight of doves" if describing them in motion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of doves

Replaces "flock" with "group", a more general term for a collection of animals.

a flight of doves

Substitutes "flock" with "flight", emphasizing the act of flying.

a gathering of doves

Replaces "flock" with "gathering", suggesting a more temporary or assembled group.

a collection of doves

Employs "collection", a broader term indicating an assemblage of items or creatures.

a dove coterie

Uses "coterie", which implies a close-knit or exclusive group, adding a subtle nuance.

a dove assembly

Utilizes "assembly", implying a more formal or organized gathering.

a bevvy of doves

Substitutes "flock" with "bevvy", an informal term for a large group.

a host of doves

Replaces flock with host which means a large number of something.

a covey of doves

Uses "covey", typically used for birds like quail, but can apply to other small bird groups.

a drove of doves

Employs "drove", commonly used for livestock, suggesting a herded group of doves.

FAQs

How can I use "a flock of doves" in a sentence?

You can use "a flock of doves" to describe a group of doves, often in a symbolic or descriptive context. For example, "A flock of doves was released at the wedding ceremony, symbolizing peace and new beginnings."

What are some alternatives to "a flock of doves"?

Some alternatives include "a group of doves", "a flight of doves" (if they are flying), or "a gathering of doves".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a flock of dove"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Dove" should be pluralized as "doves" to agree with the collective noun "flock", which implies more than one bird.

What does "a flock of doves" symbolize?

Doves are often seen as symbols of peace, love, purity, and new beginnings. Releasing "a flock of doves" can therefore represent these concepts in various contexts, such as weddings or memorial services.