What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swarm
Example
The bees swarmed around the hive. [swarmed: past tense]
Example
The protesters swarmed the streets, demanding justice. [swarm: verb]
herd
Example
The shepherd led his herd of sheep to the pasture. [herd: noun]
Example
The teacher herded the students into the classroom. [herded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Herd is more commonly used than swarm in everyday language. Herd is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while swarm is less common and refers to a specific type of movement by insects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swarm and herd?
Both swarm and herd are generally informal words, but herd can be used in more formal contexts when referring to a group of people or things under the control of a single person or authority.
