Collective noun facts for kids
A collective noun is a special word that describes a group of things, people, or animals. Instead of saying "many birds," we can use a collective noun like "a flock of birds." These words help us talk about groups in a clear and interesting way.
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What Are Collective Nouns?
Collective nouns are single words that stand for a collection of items. Think of them as a shortcut! For example, instead of listing every single bee, you can just say "a swarm of bees." This makes our language more precise and often more colorful.
Why Do We Use Them?
Using collective nouns makes sentences shorter and easier to understand. Imagine trying to describe a group of lions without the word "pride." You might say "many lions together," which is okay, but "a pride of lions" sounds much better and is more specific. They add richness to our vocabulary and help us paint clearer pictures with words.
Examples of Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are used for all sorts of groups, from people to animals to everyday objects. Here are some common examples:
For People
- A choir of singers
- A class of students
- A crew of sailors
- A crowd of people
- A gang of thieves (though this can also be used for a group of friends in a more casual way)
- A panel of experts
- A team of players
- A troop of scouts
For Animals
- A flock of birds or sheep
- A herd of cattle or elephants
- A litter of puppies or kittens
- A pack of wolves or dogs
- A school of fish
- A swarm of bees
- A pride of lions
- A colony of ants
For Things
- A bunch of grapes or keys
- A bouquet of flowers
- A deck of cards
- A fleet of ships
- A forest of trees
- A galaxy of stars
- A pile of clothes or books
- A set of tools
Fun and Unusual Collective Nouns
Some collective nouns are quite old or less common, making them sound very interesting! These are often used for specific animals.
- A parliament of owls
- A murder of crows
- A sleuth of bears
- A business of ferrets
- A tower of giraffes
- A knot of toads
- A shrewdness of apes
Using these unique words can make your writing or speaking more engaging and memorable.
