Hoard vs Board: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use hoard or board in your writing? Let’s clear things up and ensure that you are using the correct word.

Hoard and board are both proper words in the English language, but they have different meanings. Hoard means to accumulate or store a large amount of something, typically for future use. Board, on the other hand, has several meanings, but in this context, it refers to a flat piece of wood or other material used for a specific purpose, such as a cutting board or a game board.

Now that we have established the definitions of these words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some common mistakes people make when using them.

Define Hoard

Hoard, as a verb, refers to the act of accumulating and storing a large amount of something, especially money or valuable items, often in a secretive manner. This can be seen as a form of greed or a desire to hoard resources for personal gain. As a noun, a hoard is the collection of items that have been hoarded.

Hoarding can be a problematic behavior when it interferes with daily life or causes distress to the hoarder or others. In extreme cases, hoarding can lead to unsafe living conditions and even health hazards.

Define Board

Board, as a noun, can refer to a flat piece of wood or other material that is used for a variety of purposes, such as building, crafting, or writing. It can also refer to a group of people who have been appointed to govern or oversee an organization or institution, such as a board of directors or a school board.

As a verb, to board can mean to get on or enter a vehicle or mode of transportation, such as a plane, train, or bus. It can also mean to provide someone with food and lodging, such as boarding a pet while the owner is away.

Comparison of hoard and board

	Hoard	Board
Definition	The act of accumulating and storing a large amount of something, often in a secretive manner.	A flat piece of wood or other material used for various purposes, or a group of people appointed to govern or oversee an organization.
Verb form	To accumulate and store a large amount of something.	To get on or enter a vehicle or provide someone with food and lodging.
Noun form	A collection of items that have been hoarded.	A group of people who govern or oversee an organization or institution.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “hoard” and “board” correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Hoard” In A Sentence

“Hoard” is a verb that means to accumulate or store a large quantity of something, typically for future use. Here are some examples of how to use “hoard” correctly in a sentence:

• She likes to hoard her money in a savings account.
• The squirrel hoarded nuts for the winter.
• He hoards books and has a library of over 5000 volumes.

It is important to note that “hoard” is not interchangeable with “horde,” which is a large group of people or animals.

How To Use “Board” In A Sentence

“Board” can be used as a noun or a verb and has multiple meanings. As a noun, it refers to a flat piece of wood or other material used for a specific purpose. As a verb, it can mean to get on a ship, airplane, or other mode of transportation. Here are some examples of how to use “board” correctly in a sentence:

• The carpenter cut a board to the correct length.
• We need to board the plane before it takes off.
• She is on the board of directors for the company.

It is important to use the correct form of “board” in a sentence to avoid confusion. For example, “bored” is a completely different word that means feeling uninterested or tired of something.

More Examples Of Hoard & Board Used In Sentences

As we continue to explore the differences between hoard and board, let’s take a look at some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Hoard In A Sentence

• She tends to hoard all of her money instead of spending it.
• The old man had a hoard of antique coins in his attic.
• After the apocalypse, survivors began to hoard resources.
• He would hoard all of the best snacks in his room.
• The dragon hoarded all of the treasure in the cave.
• She had a hoard of shoes that took up her entire closet.
• He would hoard all of the information to himself, not sharing with his team.
• The squirrel hoarded nuts for the winter.
• She had a hoard of books that she had collected over the years.
• The miserly old man would hoard his food and never share with others.

Examples Of Using Board In A Sentence

• The carpenter used a board to measure the length of the plank.
• The students would write their answers on the board.
• He was elected to the board of directors for the company.
• The surfers rode the waves on their boards.
• The teacher would write the lesson plan on the board.
• She placed the cutting board on the counter to chop vegetables.
• The company would hold a board meeting to discuss the budget.
• The skateboarder performed tricks on his board at the skate park.
• The workers would nail the boards together to create a fence.
• The chef would use a pastry board to roll out the dough.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the English language, homophones can be a source of confusion for many people. Two words that are often used interchangeably, but have completely different meanings, are hoard and board. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Using “Hoard” Instead Of “Board”

One common mistake people make is using “hoard” instead of “board” when referring to a flat, rectangular piece of wood or other material used for various purposes. For example, saying “I need to nail this picture to my hoard” instead of “I need to nail this picture to my board” is incorrect.

The word “hoard” actually refers to a stockpile or accumulation of something, typically food or money. For example, “The squirrel hoarded nuts for the winter” or “The billionaire hoarded his wealth in offshore accounts.”

Mistake #2: Using “Board” Instead Of “Hoard”

On the flip side, another common mistake people make is using “board” instead of “hoard” when referring to a large collection or accumulation of something. For example, saying “He has a board of comic books” instead of “He has a hoard of comic books” is incorrect.

The word “hoard” is used to describe a large collection of something, typically something that is valuable or prized. For example, “The archaeologist discovered a hoard of ancient coins” or “The collector had a hoard of rare stamps.”

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to remember the definitions of each word and use them appropriately in context. Here are some additional tips:

• When referring to a flat, rectangular piece of wood or other material, use “board.”
• When referring to a large collection or accumulation of something, use “hoard.”
• If you’re unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid the embarrassment of using the wrong word and ensure that your writing is clear and concise.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “hoard” and “board”, context is key. These two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, but their meanings and connotations can vary depending on the situation in which they are used.

Hoarding And Accumulation

The word “hoard” typically refers to the act of accumulating or storing a large quantity of something, often with the implication that the hoarder is doing so excessively or compulsively. For example, a person who hoards food might have a pantry overflowing with canned goods and non-perishables, while a person who hoards money might have multiple bank accounts and investments. In these contexts, the word “board” would not be appropriate, as it does not carry the same connotation of excess or compulsion.

Boarding And Provisioning

On the other hand, the word “board” can refer to the act of providing or supplying something, often in exchange for payment or as part of a larger arrangement. For example, a person who boards horses might provide stables, feed, and care for the animals in exchange for a fee, while a person who boards a ship might provide supplies and provisions for the crew. In these contexts, the word “hoard” would not be appropriate, as it does not convey the same sense of exchange or provision.

Contextual Examples

To further illustrate the importance of context when choosing between “hoard” and “board”, consider the following examples:

• A collector might hoard stamps, coins, or other items of interest, while a museum might board these same items for display and preservation.
• A person who hoards information might keep files and records on a variety of topics, while a researcher might board this same information in order to analyze and draw conclusions.
• A person who hoards possessions might have a cluttered and disorganized living space, while a professional organizer might board these same possessions in order to create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “hoard” and “board” depends not only on the specific words being used, but also on the broader context in which they are being used. By considering the nuances of each word and the situations in which they are appropriate, writers can ensure that their message is clear and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using hoard and board are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few cases where the standard rules might not apply:

1. Board Can Be Used As A Verb In Certain Contexts

While board is typically a noun, it can also function as a verb in certain contexts. For example, you might say “I need to board the windows before the storm hits” or “Please board the train at the designated platform.” In these cases, board means “to cover or close up with boards” or “to get on a vehicle or mode of transportation.”

2. Hoard Can Be Used Metaphorically

While hoard typically refers to physically collecting and storing something, it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is overly possessive or stingy. For example, you might say “She hoards all the good ideas and never shares credit” or “He hoards his money and never donates to charity.” In these cases, hoard means “to selfishly keep or withhold something.”

3. Board Can Refer To A Group Of People

While board typically refers to a flat piece of wood or other material, it can also refer to a group of people who oversee an organization or company. For example, you might say “The board of directors approved the new budget” or “I’m applying for a position on the school board.” In these cases, board means “a group of people who make decisions on behalf of an organization.”

4. Hoard Can Be Used In A Positive Context

While hoard typically has negative connotations, it can also be used in a positive context to describe someone who is diligent and resourceful. For example, you might say “She hoarded supplies and kept her family safe during the hurricane” or “He hoarded knowledge and became an expert in his field.” In these cases, hoard means “to collect and store something in a smart and strategic way.”

5. Board Can Be Used In Compound Words

While board is typically a standalone word, it can also be used as a prefix or suffix in compound words. For example, you might say “Whiteboard” or “Snowboard” or “Boardroom.” In these cases, board is used to indicate that the word is related to or involves a flat surface or group of people making decisions.

Overall, while the rules for using hoard and board are generally straightforward, it’s important to keep these exceptions in mind to ensure that you’re using these words correctly and effectively in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of hoard and board requires practice. Below are some exercises to help readers do just that:

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with either hoard or board:

1. He likes to _____ his money in a secret location.
2. We need to buy a new _____ for the kitchen.
3. She has a _____ of vintage clothing in her closet.
4. The company is looking for new members to join its _____ of directors.
5. He was caught trying to _____ food from the cafeteria.

Answer key: 1. hoard, 2. board, 3. hoard, 4. board, 5. hoard

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using hoard and a sentence using board:

• Hoard: After winning the lottery, he decided to hoard his winnings in a safe.
• Board: The board of directors met to discuss the company’s financial situation.

Exercise 3

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. She has a _____ of books in her room. (hoard/board)
2. The _____ of directors is responsible for making important decisions. (hoard/board)
3. He likes to _____ his money in a bank account. (hoard/board)
4. The kitchen _____ needs to be replaced. (hoard/board)

Answer key: 1. hoard, 2. board, 3. hoard, 4. board

By completing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of hoard and board in sentences. Remember, hoard is used to describe the act of collecting and storing things, while board refers to a group of people who manage an organization or company.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between hoard and board, it is clear that these two words are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, their meanings are vastly different and their usage should be carefully considered in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways

• Hoard refers to the act of collecting and storing items, while board refers to a flat surface used for various purposes.
• Both hoard and board can be used as verbs or nouns, but their meanings remain distinct.
• It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid misunderstandings.

As with any aspect of language, it is important to continue learning and improving our grammar and vocabulary. By expanding our knowledge and understanding of the English language, we can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes.