A collective noun is a word that is used to refer to a
number of people, animals, or things that we group together and speak of as a
whole. Some examples: a bunch of bananas, a herd of water
buffaloes (plural of buffalo can also be buffalo),
a litter of puppies, a flock of sheep, and a package
of cookies.
The use of a collective noun in a sentence can cause difficulty as to
whether it takes a singular or plural verb. It depends on how the collective
noun is to be expressed – as a group performing together or individually. If
members of the group are viewed as a single unit acting together, a singular
verb is used. If they are regarded as separate members acting individually, a
plural verb is used.
A collective noun must use a correct pronoun; that
is, a collective noun treated as singular must use a singular possessive
pronoun. Likewise, a plural collective noun takes a plural possessive pronoun.
The following table shows the examples.
Examples:
o
Our team has won its first
trophy. (The singular possessive pronoun is its, and it agrees with
the singular collective noun team.)
o
Our team are
deciding on the strategy for their next game. (Plural
possessive pronoun their agrees with the plural collective
noun team.)
o
The full orchestra led by its new
conductor is performing in the city.
o
The orchestra do not agree to the
venue for their next performance.
o
The audience showed its approval
by clapping and cheering.
o
When the curtain came down, the audience began
leaving their seats.
Examples:
o
The family is planning an overseas
trip.
(The family is viewed as a single group planning
for an overseas trip together, so it takes a singular verb.)
o
The family are discussing about
the plan.
(Members of the family are looked at separately,
taking part in the discussion and are not acting as a group,so a plural verb is
used.)
Singular and plural collective
nouns
Following are examples of collective nouns being
used as singular and plural nouns.
Examples:
o
The explorers stumbled across a species of
plant unknown to science.
o
Different fish species have been
found in the coastal waters of the island.Different fish species have been found in the coastal waters of the island.
o
Data indicates that most
of the offenders come from broken home.
o
We will not draw any conclusion until we have
looked at all the data.We will not draw
any conclusion until we have looked at all the data.
o
Statistics is included
in this year's Mathematics syllabus.
o
The statistics tell us the current
trend is towards more consumers' spending.
o
The enemy is calling for a
ceasefire.
o
The enemy were advised to
surrender. (The plural of enemy is enemies.
But enemy, although a singular noun, can take a plural verb such
as were when it is regarded as a group of enemies.)
o
Your puppy is sleeping underneath my
car. (Preposition)
o
His left eye was swollen with a bruise underneath.
(Adverb)
More examples
Usually, the collective noun takes a singular verb
as it is looked at as a single unit. But if the emphasis is on the individual
parts, the collective noun is treated as a plural and a plural verb is used.
Examples:
o
The team is in the bus heading for
the stadium.
o
The team are discussing
about their next opponent.
o
The jury has retired to consider
its verdict.
o
The jury were unanimous in their verdict.
o
The public has the right to know
how the investigation is going.
o
The public are calling for the
bomber to be hanged or face life imprisonment.
If you are
uncertain about whether a singular or plural verb should be used, you can
rewrite as the following.
o
The team members are discussing
about their opponent.
o
Members of the jury/The jury members were unanimous
in their verdict.
o
Members of the public are calling
for the bomber to be hanged or face life imprisonment.
Composite subject takes a
singular verb
for no man.subjects can be so closely linked that
they form a composite subject and expresses a single idea. A composite subject
takes a singular verb.
Examples:
o
Time and tide waits for no
man.
o
Bread and jam is what he
eats most in the morning.
o
Bread and breakfast is what we will
look for when we arrive there.
o
Spaghetti and meatballs is my
favourite dish.
