Using Plural Verbs with Collective Nouns: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to writing or speaking about collective nouns, the choice of verb form can sometimes be confusing. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of when to use a singular verb and when to use a plural verb with collective nouns, ensuring grammatical consistency and clarity.

What are Collective Nouns?

Collective nouns are nouns that represent a collection of people, animals, or things, such as jury, team, committee, audience, family, group, company, crowd, and staff. These nouns are singular in form but can be treated as either singular or plural depending on the context.

Using Singular Verbs with Collective Nouns

Singular verbs are used with collective nouns when the group is being treated as a single unit, executing a task or decision together. For example:

The jury has reached a unanimous decision. The team practices near the old fort. The committee has given its decision. The audience is taking their seats.

In these examples, we see that the collective noun is functioning as a single entity, and thus, a singular verb is used.

Using Plural Verbs with Collective Nouns

Plural verbs are used when the group is being treated as individuals, each performing a separate action. This can be indicated when the focus is on the actions or opinions of the individual members of the group. For instance:

The jury were split on the grounds. The team are taking bath in their bathrooms.

Here, we can see that the individual members of the group are being referred to, hence the use of a plural verb.

Examples of Contextual Differences

Consider the following examples where the context influences whether a singular or plural verb should be used:

A committee is appointed to survey the area and find out the grounds of lowering the water table level underground. The committee were split on the grounds.

In the first sentence, the focus is on the committee as a whole, tasked with a single assignment, hence a singular verb is used. In the second sentence, the focus is on the split opinions of individual members of the committee, hence a plural verb is used.

The amount of Rs. 1 lac is very small today. The amount of Rs. 1 lac were distributed between two servants for their dedicated service.

In the first sentence, the amount is viewed as a single unit, and thus a singular verb is used. In the second sentence, the focus is on the distribution of the amount to multiple individuals, hence a plural verb is used.

Conclusion

When working with collective nouns, it is essential to consider the context to decide whether to use a singular or plural verb. Understanding this distinction will help in maintaining grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing or speech.