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Explanation:
1. A _pride_ of lions was resting under the shade of the trees. (why not pack of lions?)
-A lot of Lions = pride 🦁
it’s like a family: few males + several females + cubs
-focus = social/family life, protecting territory, raising cubs
📌sentence example: ‘A pride of lions rested under the trees.'
-Wolves/Dogs = pack
hunt and travel together as a team
-focus = cooperative hunting & teamwork
sentence example: ‘A pack of wolves hunted in the forest.’
2. A _band_ of musicians performed at the school concert. (why not crew?)
Band of musicians ✅
“Band” is the correct collective noun for a group of musicians or performers playing music.
-Focus is on performing music together.
Crew ❌
“Crew” is used for people working together, usually on ships, airplanes, or film sets, not performing music.
-Focus is on working together, not performing.
💡 Example to remember:
“A band of musicians played at the concert.” → music/performance
“The ship’s crew prepared the sails.” → work/task
Basically, if it’s music, think band; if it’s working together, think crew.
3. A __constellation____ of stars can be seen in the night sky forming a pattern. (why not collection?)
-Constellation of stars ✅
A constellation is a specific group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the sky (like Orion or the Big Dipper).
-Focus is on pattern and position, not just random stars.
Collection ❌
“Collection” just means a bunch of things grouped together, no specific pattern.
You could have a collection of stars in a telescope photo, but it doesn’t form a named pattern, so it’s not a constellation.
💡 Example to remember:
“A constellation of stars lit up the night sky.” → pattern/name recognized
“She has a collection of stamps at home.” → random grouping
4. A __murder__ of crows was perched on the tall tree, cawing loudly. (why not flock?)
Murder of crows ✅
“Murder” is the special collective noun for crows. It’s the traditional/accepted term in English.
-Focus is on the group of crows as a unit, not just any group of birds.
Flock ❌
“Flock” is used for general groups of birds, like sparrows, pigeons, or geese.
While crows are birds, English specifically uses murder for them.
💡 Example to remember:
“A murder of crows gathered on the fence.” → specific term for crows
“A flock of pigeons flew across the square.” → general birds
5. A __gaggle__ of geese walked along the riverbank in a neat line. (why not swarm?)
Gaggle of geese ✅
“Gaggle” is the collective noun used for geese on land or water (not flying).
-Focus is on a group of geese moving together on the ground
Swarm ❌
“Swarm” is used for insects (like bees, ants) or very small creatures moving together.
It’s not used for birds.
💡 Example to remember:
“A gaggle of geese walked along the riverbank.” → geese on land
“A swarm of bees hovered around the flowers.” → insects
6. A __panel__ of poets met to discuss their latest works at the literary festival. (why not troop?)
Panel of poets ✅
“Panel” is used for experts, judges, or professionals gathered to discuss, judge, or give opinions.
-Focus is on discussion or decision-making, not just grouping together.
Troop ❌
Troop” is used for groups of certain animals, usually monkeys, or sometimes soldiers.
It’s not used for humans in a discussion setting.
💡 Example to remember:
“A panel of poets met at the festival to share ideas.” → discussion of experts
“A troop of monkeys played in the trees.” → animals in a group
7. A __stand__ of flamingos stood gracefully in the shallow lake. (why not flock?)
Stand of flamingos ✅
“Stand” is the specific collective noun for flamingos. It’s used when they are standing together, usually in water.
-Focus is on their unique posture/grouping.
Flock ❌
“Flock” is used for most general birds, usually flying or moving together.
While flamingos are birds, English specifically uses stand for them when on the ground or in shallow water.
BY English Spmnetic!™ 📝
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