Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marrion]

I knew that we can use "herd of" with "the definite article", "genitive cases" and "indefinite adjectives".

But

Can we use "herd of" with "demonstrative adjectives"?(I have seen that "A flock of these birds is a beautiful sight....."on the Internet)

[CP]

"A flock of these birds" is just fine. "These birds" is a substitute for "carrier pigeons" or "cuckoos" or "swans" or "cranes." A flock of cranes in flight is truly a beautiful sight.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Marrion]

I have seen that "herd of" is used with "the definite article".
For example;
[1] .......you will see a herd of the first Dinosaurs ...........
[2] ....plowed a car through a flock of the birds in a northwest side ...
[3] ....... a flock of their compatriots made it on to the..........

Really, Can't we use "herd of" with both "the definite article" and "genitive cases"?

[CP]

Yes, when it makes sense to put in the definite article, you should do so. In your sentences, it seems to make sense to be specific:

In number 1, you are talking about specific dinosaurs, the first ones ever cloned, or whatever.

In number 2, I suppose the reference is to some specific birds. Maybe earlier the writer was discussing a lot of penguins nesting on his property. Later, someone ran over a flock of those penguins.

In number 3, the reference is to specific people, their compatriots.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Marrion]

Oh, I got it, perfectly.








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