a herd of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a herd of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large group of animals, especially cattle. For example, "The farmer gathered his herd of cows and steered them towards the barn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We drove by a herd of cows.

The New Yorker

First photograph shows a herd of sheep.

Yale University

It's like a herd of rabid otters.

The New York Times

At top, two Deinonychus approach a herd of tenontosaurs.

University of California, Berkeley

And I initially got a herd of goats.

Cornell University

One assumes a herd of ambulances hovers nearby.

The Guardian - Music

He goes on to butcher a herd of sacred cows.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They treated them like a herd of sheep," he said.

The New York Times

A herd of wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus) on the African savanna.

Britannica

He would call it a herd of goats.

Columbia University

How to Stop a Herd of Running Bears?

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a herd of" metaphorically to describe people, be mindful of the connotation; it can imply a lack of individuality or independent thought.

Common error

Avoid using "a herd of" to describe groups of inanimate objects or abstract concepts. It is generally reserved for animals or groups of people acting in a similar, often unthinking, manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a herd of" primarily functions as a collective noun phrase, specifically used to denote a group of animals of a particular kind that stay together. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science & Research

7%

The New Yorker

6%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a herd of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used collective noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application, mainly in contexts relating to animals and, metaphorically, groups of people exhibiting similar behaviors. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Academia, its register remains relatively neutral, making it suitable for various audiences. While versatile, mindful application is advised to avoid unintended connotations. When in doubt, alternatives such as "a group of" or "a collection of" may serve as more neutral options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flock of

This term is generally used for birds or sheep; thus, its application varies slightly from "a herd of" which typically refers to larger mammals.

a drove of

This term is more specifically applied to cattle or swine being driven in a group.

a pack of

This phrase is generally used for wild animals like wolves or dogs, or sometimes a group of people perceived as acting together.

a group of

This is a general term applicable to any collection of items or beings, lacking the specificity of "a herd of".

a swarm of

Usually refers to insects or other small creatures moving in a dense mass.

a company of

This phrase implies a more organized gathering, often of people.

a collection of

Similar to 'a group of', but can imply a more deliberate or curated gathering.

a multitude of

Suggests a very large, often uncountable number of items or beings.

an army of

This phrase is used to describe a large group, especially when implying force or overwhelming numbers.

a host of

Similar to 'a multitude of', but can also imply a celebratory or welcoming gathering.

FAQs

How is "a herd of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a herd of" is used to describe a large group of animals, typically grazing animals like cattle, elephants, or buffalo. For example, "We saw "a herd of elephants" near the river."

What are some synonyms for "a herd of"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "a herd of" could include "a group of", "a flock of" (for birds or sheep), or "a pack of" (for wolves or dogs).

Can "a herd of" be used to describe people?

Yes, but it's often used figuratively and can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the people are behaving in a uniform, perhaps unthinking, way. For example, "The tourists moved through the museum like "a herd of cattle"."

Is it appropriate to use "a herd of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a herd of" in formal writing depends on the context. In scientific or zoological contexts, it's perfectly acceptable when referring to animal groups. However, use caution when applying it metaphorically, as it may not always be appropriate for a formal tone. Consider alternatives like "a group of" or "a collection of" if a more neutral term is needed.