What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sheepfold
Example
The shepherd led the sheep into the sheepfold for the night. [sheepfold: noun]
Example
The sheepfold was built with sturdy wooden posts and wire mesh. [sheepfold: noun]
pen
Example
The farmer built a new pen for the sheep to graze in. [pen: noun]
Example
The sheep were penned up in a small area while the farmer tended to their needs. [penned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pen is more commonly used than sheepfold in everyday language. Pen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sheepfold is less common and refers specifically to an enclosure for sheep.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sheepfold and pen?
Both sheepfold and pen are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
