pecks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pecks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of a bird striking or tapping at something, often in a gentle or repeated manner. Example: "The woodpecker pecks at the tree trunk in search of insects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other times, though, the pigeon had to tap a tiresome 20 pecks before the light turned green and the grain was delivered.The pigeons soon learnt that the red button meant one thing and the green quite another.

The Economist

In a normal classical conditioning experiment, where the illumination of a small light regularly precedes the delivery of food, the pigeon will rapidly learn to approach and direct pecks at the light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A U.S. level bushel is made up of 4 pecks, or 32 dry quarts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foraging bird runs a few steps, pauses with head cocked, then pecks at possible prey or runs again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In midwinter it can subsist entirely on clover leaves and spends 95 percent of the day collecting the leaf fragments at 60 100 pecks per minute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consequently, he founded the Way of the Celestial Masters, popularly known as Five Pecks of Rice (Wudoumi) because it required its members as well as its patients to contribute five pecks of rice a year, presumably for the upkeep of the organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each household contributed a tax of five pecks of rice to the administration, whence came the other common name of the movement, the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice (Wudoumidao).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The male pecks at her exposed cloaca, causing her to eject a droplet of sperm from any previous copulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Guys aren't so hung up on whether they've got a bump-free bum or pert pecks.

Independent

Red Hartebeest graze beside a dam: an ostrich pecks hungrily in the scrub.

Independent

It's one thing to run with the whole "sex sells" adage in the name of "feminist art" à la Nineties Madonna, and yet a whole other matter when the gimmick seems purely intended to elevate her status in the pecking order of pop divadoms, where she sits just above Kate Perry, while quite a few pecks short of Lady Gaga, and laughably miles apart from the Queen Beyoncé.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing bird behavior, use "pecks" to accurately portray the action of a bird striking a surface with its beak. Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "pecks" interchangeably with verbs like "picks" or "taps" unless the context specifically involves a bird or a similar action involving a quick, pointed strike. Ensure the chosen verb accurately reflects the intended action.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pecks" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple instances of the action of pecking. It also functions as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to peck', describing an action performed by a single entity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pecks" functions both as a plural noun and a verb, denoting quick, pointed strikes or light kisses. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears frequently in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. While "pecks" can describe animal behavior, it also extends metaphorically to human interactions, specifically short, gentle kisses. When using "pecks", consider whether a more specific verb, like "taps" or "nibbles", might be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight taps

Emphasizes the gentle and delicate nature of the tapping action.

taps

This alternative suggests a lighter, quicker contact than "pecks".

nibbles

Implies taking small bites or making gentle contacts with the mouth.

bird strikes

Focuses specifically on the act of birds striking something, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

picks

Indicates a more deliberate and targeted action of selecting or removing something.

pokes

Suggests a quick thrust or jab.

touches

Refers to a general act of making contact, lacking the specificity of "pecks".

light kisses

Specifically refers to gentle kisses, often on the cheek or lips.

gentle bites

Implies very soft and non-aggressive biting actions.

small impacts

Describes small collisions or striking actions.

FAQs

How is "pecks" used to describe animal behavior?

"Pecks" often describes how birds feed or interact with their environment, such as a chicken that "pecks grain" or a bird that "pecks at a twig".

In what context can "pecks" refer to human interaction?

"Pecks" can describe quick, light kisses, often used as a casual greeting or a sign of affection. These are typically "pecks on the cheek" or "pecks on the lips".

What are some alternatives to "pecks" when describing light kisses?

Alternatives include "kisses", "light kisses", or "brief kisses", depending on the level of formality and the intensity of the action.

What's the difference between "pecks" and "bites"?

"Pecks" typically refer to quick, light contacts, often by birds, while "bites" imply a more forceful action where something is seized with the teeth.