What is a collective noun example? Collective nouns are words that describe a group of people, animals, objects, or things. They are used to give a name to a collection or assembly, making it easier to refer to the group as a whole. For instance, when we talk about a group of geese, we use the collective noun “flock.” Similarly, a group of fish is referred to as a “school,” and a group of crows is known as a “murder.” This article will explore various collective nouns and provide examples of their usage in sentences.
Collective nouns have been a part of the English language for centuries, and they come in various forms. Some collective nouns are specific to certain groups, while others are more general and can be used for various types of groups. Let’s delve into some common collective nouns and their examples:
1. Flock
A flock is a group of birds, such as geese, sheep, or even chickens. For example:
– The flock of geese honked as they flew overhead.
– The flock of sheep grazed peacefully in the meadow.
2. School
A school is a group of fish or other animals, like whales. Example:
– The school of fish swam in unison, their scales reflecting the sunlight.
– A school of whales breached the surface, creating a spectacular sight.
3. Murder
A murder is a group of crows. Example:
– The murder of crows perched on the power lines, squawking loudly.
– The murder of crows followed the procession to the graveyard.
4. Herd
A herd is a group of animals, such as cows, elephants, or deer. Example:
– The herd of cows moved slowly, led by the oldest member.
– The herd of elephants waded through the river, their trunks reaching out to drink.
5. Troop
A troop is a group of animals, such as monkeys, parrots, or even people. Example:
– The troop of monkeys swung from branch to branch, their loud calls echoing through the jungle.
– The troop of parrots squawked in unison, their colorful feathers a striking contrast to the lush foliage.
6. Pack
A pack is a group of animals, like wolves, dogs, or even kangaroos. Example:
– The pack of wolves hunted together, their keen senses guiding them through the forest.
– The pack of dogs followed their owner, tails wagging in excitement.
7. Assembly
An assembly is a group of people gathered together for a specific purpose. Example:
– The assembly of politicians debated the new bill in the chamber.
– The assembly of fans cheered as their favorite team scored the winning goal.
Collective nouns are an essential part of the English language, allowing us to describe groups of people, animals, objects, or things with precision and creativity. By understanding and utilizing these words, we can enhance our communication and convey our thoughts more effectively. So, the next time you find yourself in a group of geese or a school of fish, remember that there’s a collective noun for that!
