What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cattle
Example
The farmer has a large herd of cattle on his ranch. [cattle: noun]
Example
Cattle farming is an important industry in this region. [cattle: adjective]
herd
Example
The shepherd led his herd of sheep across the field. [herd: noun]
Example
They herded the cattle into the pen for feeding. [herded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cattle is a more commonly used term, especially in the agricultural industry, as it specifically refers to bovine animals that are raised for various purposes. Herd is also commonly used, but it has a broader application and can be used to describe groups of different types of animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cattle and herd?
Both cattle and herd can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cattle may be considered slightly more formal due to its specific association with the agricultural industry and its use in technical or professional settings.
