Understanding the rules for subject-verb agreement with collective nouns is essential for writing correct English. Collective nouns like team, committee, or family can take singular or plural verbs depending on the context. This guide provides clear rules, 100 examples, important tips for students and exam aspirants, and answers to common questions on collective nouns.
Introduction to Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
The rules for subject-verb agreement with collective nouns are often confusing for learners. A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things considered as a single unit (e.g., team, class, jury). Sometimes these nouns take a singular verb, and other times they take a plural verb, depending on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals. Understanding these rules is vital for error-free English writing and exams.
Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
- When the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb.
- Example: The team is winning the match.
- When the group members act individually, use a plural verb.
- Example: The team are wearing different jerseys.
- Formal British English often uses plural verbs for collective nouns, while American English prefers singular.
- UK: The government have announced their plans.
- US: The government has announced its plan.
- Context decides verb agreement.
- Example: The committee is making a decision.
- Example: The committee are arguing among themselves.
100 Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
- The jury is delivering its verdict.
- The jury are divided in their opinions.
- The team is playing well today.
- The team are discussing strategies.
- The family is moving to Hyderabad.
- The family are quarreling over property.
- The class is studying grammar.
- The class are submitting their assignments.
- The audience is enjoying the show.
- The audience are clapping loudly.
- The committee is making a decision.
- The committee are arguing about the issue.
- The staff is supportive.
- The staff are protesting outside.
- The crew is preparing for the journey.
- The crew are working in shifts.
- The army is protecting the border.
- The army are celebrating with their families.
- The government is introducing new laws.
- The government are debating the reforms.
- The board is meeting tomorrow.
- The board are disagreeing with each other.
- The crowd is large.
- The crowd are dispersing slowly.
- The company is growing fast.
- The company are introducing new policies.
- The council is planning new projects.
- The council are arguing internally.
- The orchestra is performing beautifully.
- The orchestra are tuning their instruments.
- The group is famous worldwide.
- The group are traveling separately.
- The fleet is sailing out.
- The fleet are moving in different directions.
- The choir is singing perfectly.
- The choir are practicing individually.
- The pack is hunting together.
- The pack are wandering separately.
- The police is considered a force.
- The police are questioning the suspects.
- The staff is hardworking.
- The staff are complaining about salaries.
- The gang is dangerous.
- The gang are fighting among themselves.
- The public is aware of the issue.
- The public are reacting differently.
- The company is registered legally.
- The company are preparing financial reports.
- The delegation is arriving tomorrow.
- The delegation are introducing themselves.
- The audience is silent.
- The audience are asking questions.
- The fraternity is strong.
- The fraternity are debating fiercely.
- The herd is grazing peacefully.
- The herd are moving in different directions.
- The parliament is in session.
- The parliament are discussing various bills.
- The association is strong.
- The association are disagreeing with each other.
- The troop is ready to march.
- The troop are resting in different places.
- The congregation is praying together.
- The congregation are chatting after service.
- The fleet is powerful.
- The fleet are competing against each other.
- The team is confident.
- The team are wearing their own uniforms.
- The gang is notorious.
- The gang are hiding in different areas.
- The army is disciplined.
- The army are eating in their barracks.
- The council is respected.
- The council are resigning one by one.
- The committee is responsible.
- The committee are leaving after disagreements.
- The board is effective.
- The board are resigning gradually.
- The government is powerful.
- The government are facing criticism.
- The staff is efficient.
- The staff are going on strike.
- The family is united.
- The family are moving apart.
- The club is registered.
- The club are holding their elections.
- The fraternity is honorable.
- The fraternity are divided in opinion.
- The community is supportive.
- The community are arguing about traditions.
- The audience is quiet.
- The audience are cheering loudly.
- The orchestra is brilliant.
- The orchestra are disagreeing on music.
- The faculty is well-trained.
- The faculty are attending different sessions.
- The government is acting quickly.
- The government are announcing their statements.
- The company is reliable.
- The company are working on their tasks.
Important Tips for Students and Exam Candidates
- Always check whether the collective noun refers to the group as one unit or as individuals.
- In competitive exams, singular verbs are more commonly accepted with collective nouns unless context demands plural.
- In British English exams (IELTS), plural usage is often acceptable.
- In American English exams (TOEFL, GRE), singular usage is standard.
- Look for clue words like members, individuals, each—these usually make the verb plural.
FAQs on Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
Q1. What are collective nouns in English grammar?
Collective nouns are words that describe a group of people, animals, or things, such as team, jury, committee, or family.
Q2. Do collective nouns take singular or plural verbs?
They can take both. If the group acts as a unit, use singular; if the members act individually, use plural.
Q3. Which is correct: “The team is” or “The team are”?
Both are correct depending on the context. The team is winning (unit). The team are arguing (individual members).
Conclusion on Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
The rules for subject-verb agreement with collective nouns depend on context. If the group acts as one, use a singular verb. If members act individually, use a plural verb. By practicing with examples and applying these rules, students and exam aspirants can avoid common grammar errors.
Disclaimer on Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
This article is for educational purposes only. Grammar rules may vary slightly between British and American English. Students should follow the exam board guidelines for competitive tests.
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