the flock

USAGE SUMMARY

"the flock" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a group of birds or metaphorically to a group of people. An example: "The flock of birds took to the sky at dawn." Alternative expressions include "the group," "the herd," or "the congregation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The flock at Gansvoort Farm.

Columbia University

BRONX Bronx Museum "The Flock House Project," group show.

The New York Times

Least likely to: Follow the flock.

The Guardian - Music

The flock decides the tweets' direction.

The Guardian

He signs low and the flock regroups.

The New York Times

Usually, he led the flock, but today he followed them.

Princeton University

All Defend the Flock materials are available at no charge 24/7 at the Defend the Flock Resource Center.

Cornell University

Every bird in the flock apparently, was being accounted for.

The New Yorker

Many members of the flock participate in feeding the young.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet selling Broadway to the flock remains a tall order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The flock-specific, animal-level abortion risk ranged between 2.5 and 50% (median=22.6%).

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the flock" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a group of people, animals, or something else entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "the flock" when a more precise term like "team", "group", or "community" would be more appropriate to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the flock" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a group of animals or people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Examples show it describing groups needing guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the flock" is a versatile noun phrase, predominantly used to denote a group of animals or people, often implying a sense of collective identity or the need for guidance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. While frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to consider the metaphorical implications to avoid ambiguity. To enhance clarity, consider alternative expressions like "the group" or "the congregation" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the group

Refers to a collection of individuals, often in a less formal or structured context than "the flock".

the herd

Implies a large group of animals, especially grazing animals, or a crowd of people behaving similarly.

the congregation

Specifically refers to a group of people gathered for religious worship.

the followers

Denotes a group of people who adhere to a particular leader, belief, or cause.

the community

Indicates a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

the company

Implies a group of individuals gathered together, often for a specific purpose.

the assembly

Refers to a group of people gathered together for a formal or official purpose.

the drove

A group of animals being driven in a body.

the swarm

A large group of insects or other small creatures, especially when in motion.

the multitude

A large number of people or things.

FAQs

How can I use "the flock" in a sentence?

You can use "the flock" to refer to a group of birds, sheep, or, metaphorically, a group of people, especially those under the care of a leader or shepherd. For example, "The shepherd guided "the flock" to new pastures."

What can I say instead of "the flock"?

You can use alternatives like "the group", "the herd", or "the congregation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the flock" or "the herd" when referring to people?

Both "the flock" and "the herd" can refer to people, but ""the flock"" often implies guidance or care, while "the herd" suggests a less organized, more instinct-driven group.

What's the difference between "the flock" and "the team"?

"The flock" often implies a sense of collective identity and guidance, particularly in a religious or pastoral context, while "the team" suggests a group working together towards a common goal.