Is it correct to say a flock of sheep/deer?

[Tan Elaine]

Is it correct to say a flock of sheep/deer?

Thanks.

[Gillnetter]

Is it correct to say a flock of sheep/deer?

Thanks.

A flock of sheep and a herd of deer.

[Tan Elaine]

A flock of sheep and a herd of deer.

A herd of sheep is correct. I only wonder whether a flock of sheep is correct.

[emsr2d2]

In BrE, it's a flock of sheep, not a herd. I have always thought that is odd because "shepherd" comes from "sheep herder".

Flock of sheep.
Herd of cows.
Herd of deer.

There are several possibilities for each animal but most variants of English choose one which the majority if the population uses. If you go to Dictionary.com, then "Style Guide", you can then find a page titled "Animal Groups".

[Barb_D]

A herd of sheep is correct. I only wonder whether a flock of sheep is correct.

I have never seen that.

It's flock.

[emsr2d2]

A herd of sheep is correct.

I am wondering why you posted that. Your first question asked us if it was correct to say "a flock of sheep/deer". Gillnetter's first reply clearly said "A flock of sheep and a herd of deer". What part of that reply prompted you to put, in bold "A herd of sheep is correct"? I don't know where you took that from.

[Tan Elaine]

I am wondering why you posted that. Your first question asked us if it was correct to say "a flock of sheep/deer". Gillnetter's first reply clearly said "A flock of sheep and a herd of deer". What part of that reply prompted you to put, in bold "A herd of sheep is correct"? I don't know where you took that from.

Thanks, emrs. I got it from the following.

Definition of herd | Collins English Dictionary

[emsr2d2]

I see. Had you identified the source in the post, I wouldn't have been so confused!

As I said in my first post, the list on that link shows various possible terms for groups of different animals and I noticed that both "herd" and "flock" were shown for sheep. I would say that the vast majority of BrE speakers would tell you it's flock. Other variants might use a different term.

I still don't think you can beat a "murder of crows".

[tzfujimino]

I still don't think you can beat a "murder of crows".

I've just learned a new expression. Thank you.
I've done some research on the Internet, and I've found these:
World Wide Words: Precision of Lexicographers
http://lyberty.com/encyc/articles/murder.html

Interesting.

[MikeNewYork]

Thanks, emrs. I got it from the following.

Definition of herd | Collins English Dictionary

Elaine, if you search on Google for animal collective nouns, you will find many pages with many entries. Many of the animal types will have more than one name for a collective. Where they all come from is anybody's guess. But for each type of animal there is a preferred name that is used most commonly.