breeding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "breeding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of producing offspring through sexual reproduction or to the process of cultivating a particular skill or attribute. For example, "The birds are coming into breeding season and will soon be making nests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whichever view you take, multicultural and tolerant or disapproving and fearful, the awkward fact is that we have not been breeding fast enough (or young enough) to keep society functioning without outside help, let alone educating ourselves to the levels a post-industrial economy is going to need.

The Guardian

The hen harriers report, written by a group of five ecologists headed by Prof Steve Redpath, studied the expected capacity of upland shooting estates for breeding hen harriers and compared that to the actual number found.

The Guardian

A UK-wide survey in 2008 then found only five breeding pairs had survived - a 1% success rate.

The Guardian

It estimated that between 2003-07 there should have been 499 breeding pairs on the 3,696km2 of grouse moors across Britain which were being "driven", or actively used for shooting, in those years.

The Guardian

The RSPB reckons there are 1,600 breeding pairs in Britain, but that seems a conservative estimate.

The Guardian - Travel

They have knowingly been breeding a lot of hybrids and then neutering them".

The Guardian - Opinion

"A very late and cold winter will have affected breeding patterns.

The Guardian

According to the RSPB, the last two breeding pairs of hen harriers in England failed this year to produce eggs for the first time in 60 years and are now on the point of extinction because gamekeepers working for rogue moorland estate owners have systematically persecuted the bird to protect baby grouse which live on the moors.

The Guardian

Macfarlane says the industries need the next generation of apprentices, including in the areas of mining, beef, cattle production, dairy and irrigation, wool classing and horse breeding.

The Guardian

The charity said it accepted the risk to aircraft but said "this is about how the government can sanction the killing of an additional 1100 lesser black-backed gulls without acknowledging the damaging impact of removing almost a fifth of the breeding population of a species on a protected site".

The Guardian

"The top five camel breeding countries are all African, and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are in the top five camel-meat producing countries".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breeding" in a scientific context, be specific about the methods and goals of the breeding program. For example, "selective breeding" or "cross-breeding".

Common error

Avoid using "breeding" when you mean "brooding". "Breeding" refers to the process of reproduction, while "brooding" refers to a bird sitting on eggs to incubate them or a person dwelling moodily on something.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "breeding" includes its use as a noun (referring to the process of reproduction or good manners) and a verb (the present participle of "breed"). Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, highlighting examples ranging from animal husbandry to broader societal implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "breeding" is frequently employed in English, serving as both a noun and a verb with diverse applications. As highlighted by Ludwig, it encompasses biological reproduction, lineage assessment, and trait cultivation. Its prevalence in News & Media and Science reflects its adaptability across various contexts. While generally correct, it's essential to avoid confusion with similar terms like "brooding". With its widespread usage and varied connotations, understanding the nuances of "breeding" enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reproduction

Focuses on the biological aspect of producing offspring.

Propagation

Emphasizes the act of spreading or increasing in number.

Cultivation

Highlights the careful development and improvement of something.

Rearing

Specifically refers to raising and nurturing offspring.

Raising

A general term for bringing up and caring for offspring.

Fostering

Implies nurturing and supporting growth or development.

Development

Refers to the process of growth and advancement.

Generation

Focuses on the creation of a new set of offspring.

Procreation

A formal term for producing offspring.

Nurturing

Emphasizes care and support for growth and development.

FAQs

How is "breeding" used in scientific contexts?

In scientific contexts, "breeding" refers to the controlled reproduction of organisms to enhance specific traits. It's frequently used in genetics, agriculture, and animal husbandry to improve desirable characteristics.

What are some synonyms for "breeding" in the context of animal husbandry?

Synonyms for "breeding" in animal husbandry include "reproduction", "propagation", and "raising", all of which refer to the process of producing offspring.

How does "breeding" differ from "brooding"?

"Breeding" refers to the process of reproduction, whereas "brooding" describes a bird incubating eggs or a person dwelling on negative thoughts.

What are common collocations with "breeding"?

Common collocations include "breeding ground", "breeding season", "selective breeding", and "captive breeding", each describing specific aspects or applications of the term.