flock of sheep

USAGE SUMMARY

"flock of sheep" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of sheep. For example: "The farmer saw a flock of sheep grazing in the meadow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A shepherd urged forward a flock of sheep.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1764 a peasant girl was killed and partially eaten while tending a flock of sheep.

Harvard University

An Arab legend saw the same pole stars as a flock of sheep herded by Boötes.

Harvard University

The footage shows the tiny aircraft approach a flock of sheep in a field.

The Times

Along a ridge, a shepherd was guiding a flock of sheep.

The New Yorker

Nobody remembers how the original flock of sheep got in Central Park.

The New Yorker

FEW people who work at home are surrounded by a flock of sheep.

The New York Times

Butterworth got a dog called Crosby and acquired a flock of sheep and some pigs.

The New Yorker

What's to stop three people marrying or wedding a flock of sheep?

The Guardian - Opinion

It feels good to be the wise old goat in a flock of sheep.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thank you for taking the time to write it, my new flock of sheep will benefit greatly!

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flock of sheep" when you want to specifically emphasize the collective nature of sheep in a pastoral or agricultural context.

Common error

Avoid using "flocks of sheep", as "flock" is already a collective noun. Instead, say "several flocks of sheep" if referring to multiple groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flock of sheep" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a collective noun, used to denote a group of sheep. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flock of sheep" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a group of sheep. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts, its register remains neutral, making it versatile across writing styles. Remember to use this collective noun appropriately and avoid redundant phrasing. Considering alternatives such as "herd of sheep" can add variety to your writing. The phrase's enduring presence in diverse sources underscores its relevance and descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

herd of sheep

Replaces "flock" with "herd", another common term for a group of sheep, emphasizing their collective movement.

group of sheep

Uses the more general term "group" instead of "flock", suitable for less formal contexts.

collection of sheep

Substitutes "flock" with "collection", highlighting the gathering aspect of the sheep.

gathering of sheep

Emphasizes the act of sheep coming together, replacing "flock" with "gathering".

drove of sheep

Replaces "flock" with "drove", implying the sheep are being moved or driven.

sheep aggregation

A more formal and scientific term for a group of sheep.

assemblage of sheep

Uses "assemblage" to denote a collection of sheep, suitable for formal writing.

company of sheep

Replaces "flock" with "company", suggesting a close-knit group of sheep.

a cluster of sheep

Replaces "flock" with "cluster", which describes a group of things close together.

a parcel of sheep

Replaces "flock" with "parcel", less commonly used and emphasizes sheep as a unit.

FAQs

How to use "flock of sheep" in a sentence?

You can use "flock of sheep" to describe a group of sheep. For example: "The shepherd was watching over his "flock of sheep" in the field."

What can I say instead of "flock of sheep"?

You can use alternatives such as "herd of sheep", "group of sheep", or "collection of sheep" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "flocks of sheep"?

While grammatically understandable, "flocks of sheep" can be redundant. It's more precise to say "several "flock of sheep"" or "multiple flocks of sheep" if referring to more than one group.

What is the difference between a "flock of sheep" and a "herd of sheep"?

Both "flock" and "herd" refer to a group of animals, but "flock" is typically used for birds and sheep, while "herd" is more commonly used for larger animals like cattle. In the case of sheep, both ""flock of sheep"" and "herd of sheep" are acceptable.