herd of words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "herd of words" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing to readers.
It could be used metaphorically to describe a large collection of words or ideas that are grouped together, but clarity may be lost without context. Example: "In her poem, she created a herd of words that galloped across the page, each one contributing to the vivid imagery."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I may well add some sheep to the farm just for the vocabulary, for the richness they will bring to the herd of words I'm already raising.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tharoor's remark created a herd of trouble, his words an instant cause célèbre discussed 24/7 on India's many new talk shows and news channels.

Huffington Post

Human society, argues Earls, functions as a herd and word of mouth is an essential part of the communication process in the human herd.

The Guardian

They are the Howgill Fells, "a herd of sleeping elephants" in the words of the famous hiker Alfred Wainwright, which form the western mantle of the Yorkshire Dales.

The Economist

Its glazed brown surface bears the words "Market Stampede" over a herd of Indian horses racing to the tourist-and-dealer-oriented Santa Fe Indian markets.

The New York Times - Arts

"Spotting a herd of cattle, he says simply, 'Bovine.' Minutes pass before he says another word".

The New York Times

Those were fateful words for brothers Ben and Matthew Freund, second-generation dairy farmers who at the time maintained a herd of 225 Holsteins in East Canaan.

The New York Times

As I sit writing these words in my notebook, on a forested hillside in south India, there is a herd of elephants across the valley.

HuffPost

We drove by a herd of cows.

The New Yorker

First photograph shows a herd of sheep.

Yale University

The process is called "herding," and a herd of zombies is called a botnet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "herd of words", ensure the context is metaphorical and clearly conveys a large, perhaps unruly, collection of words or ideas. Use it to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.

Common error

Avoid using "herd of words" in formal or technical writing where precision is paramount. This phrase is highly figurative and may not be appropriate for contexts requiring literal accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "herd of words" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. It describes a large, often overwhelming, collection of words or ideas. Ludwig AI notes it's not a standard expression, suggesting it is used for stylistic effect rather than literal description.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "herd of words" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a large collection of words or ideas. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates it's not a standard phrase, suggesting it's best suited for creative or informal contexts where a vivid image is desired. It functions to emphasize the quantity, and potential disorganization, of the words being described. Alternatives like "collection of terms" or "assembly of phrases" may be more appropriate for formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clearly metaphorical to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of words

A straightforward description of words appearing one after another.

collection of terms

Emphasizes the gathering of specific vocabulary or expressions.

cluster of vocabulary

Focuses on a tight grouping of words related to a particular subject.

string of expressions

Suggests a linear sequence of phrases, often conveying a particular narrative or argument.

assembly of phrases

Highlights a structured gathering of expressions, suitable for formal contexts.

compilation of expressions

Suggests a deliberately assembled set of phrases, often for reference or study.

lexicon of terms

Refers to a specific vocabulary associated with a particular field or subject.

lexical bundle

A more technical term referring to a group of words that frequently appear together.

range of lexis

Focuses on the scope and variety of vocabulary used.

accumulation of sayings

Implies a gradual increase or gathering of well-known expressions.

FAQs

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

You can use "herd of words" metaphorically to describe a large, overwhelming collection of words or ideas, often implying a sense of chaos or abundance. For example, "The politician unleashed a "herd of words" to deflect criticism".

What does "herd of words" mean?

"Herd of words" is a metaphorical phrase that suggests a large, possibly disorganized, collection of words or ideas. It evokes the image of a group moving together, perhaps without clear direction.

What are some alternatives to "herd of words"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "herd of words" could include "collection of terms", "assembly of phrases", or "lexical bundle" for a more technical usage.

Is "herd of words" grammatically correct?

"Herd of words" is grammatically sound but may not be universally accepted due to its metaphorical nature. It's more suitable for creative or informal writing than formal or technical contexts.