Agreement with Collective Nouns: Rules and Examples for High School

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 👥 Collective nouns name a group of members (e.g., team, family, committee).
• ⚙️ Use a singular verb when the group acts as a single unit. Example: The team *is* playing well.
• 🤹 Use a plural verb when the group members act individually. Example: The team *are* arguing about their roles. (This usage is more common in British English.)
• 🗣️ Context is key! The sentence’s meaning determines the correct verb form.
• 🌍 In American English, collective nouns are typically treated as singular.

Practice Quiz

1. Which sentence uses the correct verb form with the collective noun?
   1. The family are deciding on their vacation plans.
   2. The family is deciding on its vacation plans.
   3. The family are a large group.
   4. The family is always arguing.
2. Choose the sentence with the correct subject-verb agreement.
   1. The committee have different opinions.
   2. The committee has met and made its decision.
   3. The committee are meeting tomorrow.
   4. The committee is all in agreement.
3. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct (primarily American English)?
   1. The jury are still out on that verdict.
   2. The jury is still out on that verdict.
   3. The jury have been deliberating for hours.
   4. The jury agrees it's time for a break.
4. Select the sentence that demonstrates plural agreement (more common in British English).
   1. The staff is working hard today.
   2. The staff has received new uniforms.
   3. The staff are divided in their opinions.
   4. The staff is very efficient.
5. Which sentence best uses a singular verb with a collective noun?
   1. The audience were clapping enthusiastically.
   2. The audience was enjoying the performance.
   3. The audience are all looking at their phones.
   4. The audience have come from all over the world.
6. Identify the correctly worded sentence.
   1. The government are discussing new policies.
   2. The government is implementing the new law.
   3. The government have been accused of corruption.
   4. The government argues frequently.
7. Which sentence highlights individual action within the collective noun?
   1. The class is going on a field trip.
   2. The class are all wearing different outfits today (British English).
   3. The class has won the competition.
   4. The class studies diligently.