What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ducks
Example
The ducks were quacking loudly in the pond. [ducks: plural noun]
Example
She saw a group of ducks flying overhead. [ducks: plural noun]
Example
The ducks were diving for food in the lake. [ducks: plural noun]
drake
Example
The drake was swimming alone in the pond. [drake: singular noun]
Example
The mallard drake has a distinctive green head. [drake: singular noun]
Example
The drake quacked loudly to attract the female ducks. [drake: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ducks is more commonly used than drake in everyday language, as it is a more general term that covers both male and female ducks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ducks and drake?
Neither ducks nor drake is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts with no significant difference in formality.
