a procession of sheep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a procession of sheep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of sheep moving in an organized manner, often in a line or following one another. Example: "As we hiked through the valley, we were surprised to see a procession of sheep making their way down the hillside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps, awake in the dark, James was annoyed by "the insipid image of a procession of sheep".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A procession of similar roles followed.

The New York Times

As a procession of generalissimos and I.M.F.

The New Yorker

Then Liz Kendall, Stephen Kinnock, Chris Leslie and a procession of others.

The Guardian

A Procession of the Palms around Stuyvesant Square.

The New York Times

A procession of wildlife each evening.

The Guardian

Life had become a procession of ordinary pleasures.

The New York Times

But a procession of stories of abuse has raised concern.

The Guardian

The bodies arrived in a procession of trucks and trailers.

The Washington Post

A highlight is a procession of mothers and their calves.

The New York Times

Featuring a procession of dancers, bagpipers, drummers and Scottish terriers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a procession of sheep" when you want to evoke a sense of order or formality in the movement of a group of sheep. It's more evocative than simply saying "a group of sheep".

Common error

Avoid using "a procession of sheep" in overly casual settings. The term carries a slightly formal tone, so simpler phrases like "a group of sheep" or "a flock of sheep" may be more appropriate in everyday conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a procession of sheep" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a group of sheep moving in an organized manner, typically in a line. The examples show it is used in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a procession of sheep" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a group of sheep moving in an orderly manner. While understandable, it's a less common alternative to phrases like "a flock of sheep" or "a herd of sheep". As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable for descriptive contexts, particularly in news and media, where it can add a touch of formality or a specific visual image. While correct, consider context and audience when choosing between this phrase and more common alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a line of sheep

Focuses on the linear arrangement of the sheep.

a parade of sheep

Implies a more deliberate and orderly movement, like a formal parade.

a file of sheep

Emphasizes the single-file formation of the sheep.

a stream of sheep

Suggests a continuous and flowing movement of sheep.

a train of sheep

Conveys the image of sheep following one after another in a connected sequence.

a drove of sheep

Highlights the herding aspect of the sheep's movement.

a march of sheep

Suggests a purposeful and steady movement, almost like a military march.

a sequence of sheep

Emphasizes the ordered arrangement of sheep in a series.

a gathering of sheep moving forward

A more descriptive and less concise way of expressing the movement of a group of sheep.

sheep in a row

A simple and direct way to describe sheep aligned in a line.

FAQs

How can I use "a procession of sheep" in a sentence?

You might say, "As the sun set, "a procession of sheep" moved slowly down the hillside."

What's a more common way to describe a group of sheep?

While "a procession of sheep" is correct, "a flock of sheep" or "a herd of sheep" are more frequently used terms.

What is the difference between "a procession of sheep" and "a parade of sheep"?

"A procession of sheep" implies a simple, orderly movement, while "a parade of sheep" suggests a more deliberate, celebratory, or formal movement.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a procession of sheep"?

No, it's grammatically correct and understandable. However, depending on the context, it might sound slightly unusual. In very informal contexts, a simpler phrase might be better.