Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns Examples
When it comes to writing, particularly in the English language, proper usage of grammar rules is crucial. One of the essential rules in English grammar is verb agreement with collective nouns. Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or objects treated as a single entity. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that the verb used agrees with the number of the collective noun.
For instance, you would say, “The team is playing well,” not “The team are playing well.” Even though the team comprises multiple individuals, it is considered a single entity or group, hence the singular verb agreement. Collective nouns come in various forms, such as family names, government agencies, animal groups, organizations, and groups of objects or things.
Family Names:
When it comes to family names, the collective noun used to refer to the family should be considered. For example, when referring to the Jackson family, you say, “The Jackson family is going on vacation,” not “The Jackson family are going on vacation.”
Government Agencies:
When it comes to government agencies, the collective noun used should also be considered. For instance, you would say, “The Department of Education is responsible for education,” not “The Department of Education are responsible for education.”
Animal Groups:
Animal groups also have their collective nouns, which can be singular or plural. For example, you would say, “The herd is grazing on the field,” referring to a group of cows. You would also say, “The flock is flying in the sky,” referring to a group of birds.
Organizations:
Organizations also have their collective nouns, such as company, committee, team, staff, and more. For example, you would say, “The staff is working hard,” referring to a group of employees.
Groups of Objects or Things:
Lastly, groups of objects or things also have their set of collective nouns. For example, you would say, “The fleet is ready for deployment,” referring to a group of ships.
In summary, verb agreement with collective nouns is a significant aspect of English grammar that writers should understand. Proper usage of collective nouns and their corresponding verbs helps in ensuring clarity and accuracy in writing. Remember, always use singular verbs when referring to a collective noun, even when the noun refers to a group of people or things.