Answer: When to use hoard versus horde

[green-grrl.livejournal.com]

Our question today is when to use hoard versus horde. Both words have to do with a mass quantity, so they are often used interchangeably. But this is an error, as they do have separate, distinct meanings. Here's how to know when to use which, with examples using characters from The Hobbit.

Hoard can be used as a noun, meaning a supply or accumulation, or a verb, meaning to gather a supply or to accumulate.

Luckily, Bilbo had a hoard of plum preserves in the back pantry.

Dragons were known for loving gold, but Smaug had hoarded a collection beyond belief.

Horde is primarily used as a noun, meaning a large group, or a multitude.

"Last time I went through the Dead Marshes," Gandalf told Radagast, "I was nearly eaten alive by a horde of midges—in addition to the usual dangers."

It can also be used as a verb, meaning to gather together into a horde, although this usage is not as common.

The goblins horded into a mass that then descended, shrieking, on the party.

Although both words refer to large numbers of something, the main difference between them is that a hoard, or hoarding, refers to a collection of passive things—gold coins, jars of preserves, books, souvenirs, etc.—that someone has acted to accumulate. (When it becomes a problem, you either get the Five Armies coming to pry you away from your hoard, or the reality TV show Hoarders coming to film you.) A horde, or hording, refers to autonomous people or animals coming together of their own will to act collectively.

The way I like to remember which is which is by thinking that a hoard can be kept in a cupboard. (Smaug's would just be the biggest cupboard in history.) A horde is more like a herd of beings massing together. Fellow fan grammarian mab_browne says, if it's people, use horde.

And that does it for today's addition to the hoard of grammar tips, put together for you by a horde of grammarians!

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Definitions at dictionary.com:
hoard
horde

Comments

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the 'how to remember' tips - it's one of those words I always have to stare at to be sure I've got it right... infuriating!

[green-grrl.livejournal.com]

The meanings are so similar, I'd never remember without mnemonics!