What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flocking
Example
The birds were flocking together in the sky. [flocking: verb]
Example
People were flocking to the concert venue to see their favorite band. [flocking: gerund or present participle]
herd
Example
The shepherd was herding the sheep into the pen. [herding: verb]
Example
The tourists followed the herd of elephants on their safari. [herd: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Herd is more commonly used than flock in everyday language, especially when referring to cows, sheep, or goats. However, flock is still a common word when referring to birds or people gathering in a crowd.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flocking and herd?
Both flocking and herding are relatively informal words, but herding may be slightly more formal due to its association with animal husbandry and agriculture.
