What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stockyard
Example
The stockyard was filled with cows waiting to be auctioned off. [stockyard: noun]
Example
The rancher herded the cattle into the stockyard for sorting and transportation. [stockyard: noun]
pen
Example
The veterinarian examined the sick cow in the pen. [pen: noun]
Example
We keep our chickens in a pen to protect them from predators. [pen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pen is more commonly used than stockyard in everyday language. Pen is a versatile word that can be used to describe a variety of animal enclosures, while stockyard is more specific and less commonly used outside of agricultural contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between stockyard and pen?
Both stockyard and pen are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
