The confusion between “herd or heard” is a common grammar mistake due to their similar pronunciation, even though they serve entirely different functions in the English language.
Confused between herd and heard? Herd refers to a group of animals, like cows or sheep, while heard is the past tense of “hear.” Understanding the difference ensures clear communication. For example, “I heard the shepherd call his herd.” Choose wisely for better grammar!
Understanding the difference between these two words will help clarify their usage and prevent mistakes in writing and conversation.
Definitions and Usage
1. Herd (Noun & Verb)
The word herd can be both a noun and a verb.
- As a noun, it refers to a large group of animals, typically those that graze together, such as cows, sheep, or elephants.
- As a verb, it means to gather or move a group of animals, or even metaphorically, a group of people, in a specific direction.
Examples of Herd (Noun & Verb):
- A herd of cattle grazed peacefully in the field. (Noun)
- The shepherd herded the sheep back into their pen. (Verb)
2. Heard (Past Tense of Hear)
Heard is the past tense of the verb hear, which means to perceive sound or listen to something.
Examples of Heard (Verb – Past Tense):
- I heard a strange noise outside my window last night.
- Mia said she heard the new song on the radio.
In this case, heard refers to something that was listened to or perceived in the past.
Common Mistakes and Scenarios
People often mix up herd and heard because they sound identical, but using them incorrectly can lead to confusing or incorrect sentences.
1. Mistaking “Herd” for “Heard” in a Sentence
Incorrect:
- I herd the news about your promotion yesterday.
Correct:
- I heard the news about your promotion yesterday.
Why? The action here is about listening to or receiving information, so the correct word is heard, which is the past tense of hear.
2. Confusing “Heard” with “Herd” in Writing
Incorrect:
- The cowboys heard the cattle across the ranch.
Correct:
- The cowboys herded the cattle across the ranch.
Why? In this sentence, the cowboys are gathering and moving the animals, which means the verb form herded is correct, not heard (the past tense of hear).
Scenario Examples
1. Office Conversation about a New Policy
Subject: Did You Hear About the New Work-from-Home Policy?
Hi Mia,
I just wanted to check if you heard about the new work-from-home policy announced yesterday. I heard that the team will be allowed to work remotely twice a week starting next month. This should provide more flexibility for everyone, especially during the winter season.
Let me know if you’ve heard anything else or if you have questions. I’ll share more details as soon as I get them.
Best,
Hannah
2. Farm Visit Story
Subject: Visit to the Farm
Dear Mia,
Yesterday, I visited a farm with some friends, and we saw a huge herd of cows! The farmer explained how they herd the cattle from one field to another every few days to allow the grass to grow back. It was really interesting to watch, especially because the dogs helped out by rounding up the cows.
I never knew how much work goes into managing a herd of animals, but it was a fascinating experience. If you ever get the chance to visit, I’d highly recommend it!
Best,
Hannah
3. Listening to a New Song
Subject: Have You Heard the New Song?
Hi Mia,
I just wanted to ask if you’ve heard the new song by The Weeknd? I heard it on the radio earlier today, and I can’t stop playing it on repeat! The chorus is especially catchy, and I think you’d love it.
Let me know what you think once you give it a listen!
Best,
Hannah
Tips to Avoid Confusion
- Herd Refers to Animals or People in Groups
If you’re talking about a group of animals or the action of moving a group of animals (or sometimes people), the correct word is herd. Whether you’re a cowboy or a shepherd, you’re likely dealing with a herd of animals. - Heard is the Past Tense of Hear
When you’re talking about listening to something or perceiving a sound, especially in the past, use heard. Think of heard as the result of hearing something. - Pronunciation Doesn’t Help
Since herd and heard sound identical, rely on context and meaning to ensure you’re using the right word. If it’s about listening, use heard. If it’s about animals or moving a group, use herd.
Additional Examples
Using Herd (Noun & Verb)
- The rancher had to find a way to keep his herd of cattle safe during the storm. (Noun)
- The herders quickly herded the sheep into the barn when it started to rain. (Verb)
Using Heard (Past Tense of Hear)
- I heard the announcement over the loudspeaker yesterday.
- We heard some exciting news about the company’s expansion plans.
Memory Tricks
- Heard is linked to hear, which means to listen. If you’re talking about hearing something, especially in the past, you’ll use heard.
- Herd refers to animals or groups. If there are animals or people moving as a group, herd is the right choice. You can also think of a herd of cows to help remember.
Conclusion
While herd and heard sound the same, their meanings are worlds apart. Herd refers to a group of animals or the act of gathering animals, while heard is the past tense of the verb hear and refers to something you’ve listened to. By paying attention to context and applying the right word based on meaning, you can avoid mixing up these common homophones in your writing and conversations.
