What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cowpen
Example
The farmer built a new cowpen for his dairy cows. [cowpen: noun]
Example
The sick cow was placed in a separate cowpen to recover. [cowpen: noun]
corral
Example
The cowboys herded the cattle into the corral for branding. [corral: noun]
Example
We need to corral the escaped sheep before they cause any damage. [corral: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corral is more commonly used than cowpen in everyday language, especially outside of the Southern United States. Corral is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while cowpen is less common and primarily used in specific farming and ranching contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cowpen and corral?
While cowpen is typically associated with a rural and informal tone, corral can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
