brood

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "brood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb or a noun. Verb: The hen brooded over her eggs. Noun: The hen had a large brood of chicks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A second way to reduce the impact of harriers on grouse – a method of forced migration known as brood management – proved more contentious.

The Guardian

But the attention of some in the audience may have drifted to a huge poster that showed the beaming candidate posing with his wife and their brood of seven children.

The Guardian

A study by the Social Issues Research Centre described 18- to 25-year-olds as the "bungee brood" who had failed to sever links to their parental purse strings.

The Guardian - Business

Fertilised egg West has a more varied brood.

The Guardian - Music

What drew me was the landscape, the poetry and the dark, dark brood of the central character.

The Guardian

None of which was quite what the Verneys had had in mind when they searched for a wealthy brood mare to ensure the continuation of their name and the integrity of their estates.Other Verney women, too, had difficult lives, which was mostly not their fault.

The Economist

This is probably because, as there is no time to raise a second family, the female decides her efforts are better spent raising her current brood to adulthood.

The Economist

So it is worth leaving only if you can find a second mate, and then raise a second brood.

The Economist

In the five species in which females outnumber males (ruffs and northern lapwings, for instance) mothers care for their brood.

The Economist

But to those who brood on anniversaries, who suspect every last thing the government does, and who nourish their hatreds in the emptier corners of the country, the trial raises more questions than it answers.

The Economist

George Bush routed the Taliban after September 11th because al-Qaeda had, like a parasitic brood, commandeered the Taliban state in order to organise and train for global jihad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brood" to mean 'to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy', be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Consider whether a more neutral term like 'contemplate' or 'reflect' might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid confusing "brood", which refers to a group of offspring or the act of dwelling on negative thoughts, with "breed", which refers to a type of animal or the act of reproducing. For example, instead of "the dog's brood is rare", say "the dog's breed is rare".

Linguistic Context

The word "brood" functions both as a noun, referring to a group of young animals or children, and as an intransitive verb, describing the act of dwelling on negative thoughts. Ludwig examples showcase both usages, aligning with the word's established grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "brood" serves dual roles as a noun signifying offspring and as a verb denoting deep, often melancholic, thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, ranging from news media and formal business settings to scientific discourse. While commonly found in reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian, writers should note the potential for confusion with "breed" and be mindful of the somewhat dramatic tone when used to describe worrying.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incubate eggs

Focuses specifically on the act of keeping eggs warm to hatch, removing the emotional or figurative connotations.

hatch offspring

Highlights the result of brooding, the hatching of young, rather than the process itself.

raise young

Emphasizes the nurturing aspect of caring for offspring after they are born or hatched.

family of offspring

Replaces the collective noun "brood" with a more descriptive phrase.

ponder gloomily

Shifts the focus to the act of dwelling on something in a sad or negative way.

meditate sadly

Similar to pondering, but with a sense of quiet contemplation and sadness.

litter of pups

Uses a more specific term for the offspring of certain animals, like dogs.

clutch of chicks

Uses a different collective noun, "clutch", which also refers to a group of offspring, particularly birds.

think intently

Focuses on deep thought, without necessarily implying sadness or worry.

children

Uses a more general term for offspring, applicable to humans.

FAQs

How can "brood" be used as a verb?

As a verb, "brood" means to think deeply about something that makes you unhappy. For example, "He tends to "brood" over past mistakes."

What does "brood" mean when referring to animals?

When referring to animals, "brood" typically means a group of young offspring hatched or born at the same time. For instance, "The hen protected her "brood" of chicks."

Is it correct to use "brood" to describe a family of humans?

Yes, "brood" can be used to describe a family of children, although it can sometimes carry a slightly negative or humorous connotation. For example, "She had a large "family of children", her own little "brood"."

What are some synonyms for "brood" when used in the context of worrying?

When "brood" is used to describe worrying, you can use alternatives such as "ponder", "dwell", or "ruminate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.