tend a flock

USAGE SUMMARY

"tend a flock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase, meaning "to care for a group of animals, usually sheep." For example, "The shepherd tended a flock of 200 sheep every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They also tend a flock of 10 sheep.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Harvard University

The children were tending a flock of sheep outside the tiny village of Fatima, Portugal, when they first saw the angel.

The Washington Post

In "Smith's Gazelle" (Knopf, 1971), a Bedouin shepherd tends a flock of rare gazelles during the Six-Day War.

The New York Times - Arts

He said he was out tending a flock with his young sons when two masked settlers rode up on a tractor and ordered him, in Hebrew, to leave.

The New York Times

Now this might be manageable when tending a flock of sheep -- but it is hardly possible when running an endless stream of family errands or driving a packed station wagon to ice hockey practice.

The New York Times - Travel

And in the charming video for "These Are Your Friends," available at www.dominorecordco.com/new videos.php, you watch the analogy come to life: he tends a flock of mechanical birds as the song unspools.

The New York Times - Arts

But one owner, Linda Faillace, whose family tends a flock of 120 sheep of the East Friesian breed from Belgium and makes Three Shepherds cheese from their milk, described the planned seizure as a turn toward "Gestapo tactics" based on questionable science.

The New York Times

They had about 70 followers and saw themselves as shepherds tending a flock.

Wikipedia

Rocamora tended a flock of stars, plus promising would-be's like myself.

Vice

Rocamora tended a flock of stars, plus promising would-bes like myself.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the metaphorical extensions of "tend a flock" when referring to caring for a group of people.

Common error

Avoid using "tend a flock" too liberally in contexts where the imagery of shepherding doesn't fit. While it can be used metaphorically, ensure the connection to care and guidance is clear and appropriate. Overuse in unrelated contexts can sound awkward or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend a flock" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of caring for and managing a group of animals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase can also function metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tend a flock" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that refers to the act of caring for a group of animals, especially sheep, or metaphorically, a group of people. As Ludwig AI states, it’s a valid and usable phrase. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. To maximize clarity, use it when a connection to the traditional imagery of shepherding or the essence of care and guidance is clear. Consider alternatives like "shepherd a flock" for stronger imagery or "care for livestock" for broader application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shepherd a flock

This alternative emphasizes the role of a shepherd, specifically the act of guiding and protecting a flock.

watch over sheep

This phrase focuses on the act of observing and protecting sheep.

care for livestock

This phrase broadens the scope to include various animals, not just sheep, focusing on general care.

manage a herd

Similar to "tend a flock", but implies managing a larger group of animals, possibly cattle.

take care of animals

This is a broader term covering different ways of taking care of animals.

raise livestock

Describes the process of breeding and caring for farm animals, typically for commercial purposes.

oversee a group

This alternative is less specific to animals and more about managing a group of people.

cultivate a following

This phrase is metaphorical, referring to nurturing and growing a group of supporters or fans.

foster a community

Similar to "cultivate a following", but emphasizing the building and maintenance of a communal environment.

nurture followers

Emphasizes the act of encouraging and developing the individuals within a group, often used in a spiritual or mentoring context.

FAQs

What does it mean to "tend a flock"?

To "tend a flock" means to care for and manage a group of animals, typically sheep. It involves protecting them from harm, guiding them to pasture, and ensuring their well-being.

Can "tend a flock" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "tend a flock" can be used metaphorically to describe caring for a group of people or managing an organization. It implies guidance, protection, and ensuring the well-being of those under your care.

What are some synonyms for "tend a flock" when referring to animals?

Some synonyms for "tend a flock" in the context of animals include "shepherd a flock", "care for livestock", or "watch over sheep".

How is "tend a flock" different from "manage a team"?

"Tend a flock" often evokes a sense of personal care and traditional shepherding, while "manage a team" is a more modern and professional term, suggesting organizational skills and leadership in a business or project context.