herd of cows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'herd of cows' is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used to indicate a group of cows that are together or being moved as a group, such as for grazing or farming purposes. For example, "The farmer rounded up the herd of cows to take them to a different pasture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We drove by a herd of cows.

The New Yorker

Hence, there's a Craig David, a herd of cows and a Barney Rubble in the crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

"Our neighbors have horses," he said, "and one has a herd of cows".

The New York Times

A lyrist playing to a herd of cows masticating their own ignorance, Bella often thought.

The New Yorker

Per Se gets its butter from a particular herd of cows.

The New Yorker

"We're not a herd of cows that can be split up.

The New York Times

The same with many women is called 'the herd of cows'".

The Guardian - Books

In Florida, the calls would warn about a herd of cows or an alligator on the loose.

The New York Times

After the fight, the exhausted and bloodied animal followed a herd of cows out of the ring.

The New York Times

The river begins a gentle curve to the right and you'll walk past Petersham Meadows, with its herd of cows.

The Guardian - Travel

His best-known subject is his simplest: a flat, light-saturated horizontal landscape populated by a herd of cows.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific location or event, use precise language to indicate the size and characteristics of the "herd of cows". Instead of a large number, consider to quantify it or give more information about the type of cow

Common error

Avoid using "herd of cows" to describe other animal groups. Each animal species has its specific collective noun. Use "flock of sheep" and not "herd of sheep".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "herd of cows" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, based on numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "herd of cows" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a group of female bovine animals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common usage includes News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings.

To enhance your writing, remember to use precise language when describing the herd and avoid misusing collective nouns for other animal groups. Alternatives like "group of cattle" or "cattle herd" can provide variety while maintaining accuracy. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively incorporate the phrase "herd of cows" into your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cattle herd

Reverses the order of the words while retaining the core meaning.

group of cattle

Uses a more general term, "group", instead of the specific term "herd".

drove of cows

Replaces "herd" with "drove", another term for a group of animals being moved.

bunch of cows

Uses a more informal term, "bunch", to describe the group.

collection of cows

Employs a more formal term, "collection", to denote the group.

cattle population

Shifts the focus to the number of cows, rather than their grouping.

dairy cows

Specifies the breed of cows, focusing on those used for milk production.

grazing cows

Highlights the activity of the cows, rather than their grouping.

herd of livestock

Generalizes "cows" to "livestock", encompassing other farm animals.

farm animals

Focuses on the context of the animals, rather than mentioning the herd.

FAQs

How can I use "herd of cows" in a sentence?

You can use "herd of cows" to describe a group of cows, such as, "The farmer moved the "herd of cows" to a new pasture."

What is another way to say "herd of cows"?

Alternatives to "herd of cows" include "group of cattle" or "cattle herd". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it correct to say "herds of cows"?

Yes, "herds of cows" is correct when referring to multiple groups of cows. For example, "There were several "herds of cows" grazing in the valley."

What's the difference between "herd of cows" and "cattle"?

"Cattle" is a general term for bovine animals, while "herd of cows" specifically refers to a group of female cattle kept together. You might see a field of "cattle", which could include bulls and steers, but a "herd of cows" implies a specific grouping of female animals.