When it comes to subject-verb agreement, collective nouns can be tricky. Collective nouns are words that refer to groups of people or things, such as team, family, or crowd. While these nouns are singular in form, they refer to multiple individuals and can be a source of confusion when it comes to choosing the correct verb form. Here are some rules to keep in mind when using collective nouns.

1. Consider the context of the sentence

When using a collective noun as the subject of a sentence, it is important to consider the context of the sentence. Is the emphasis on the group as a whole or on the individual members within the group? Depending on the context, you may need to use a singular or plural verb.

For example, consider the sentence “The team is/are practicing for the game.” If the focus is on the team as a single unit, you would use the singular verb “is.” However, if the focus is on the individual members within the team, you would use the plural verb “are.”

2. Pay attention to the noun`s meaning

The meaning of the collective noun can also help you determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. Some collective nouns, such as flock or crowd, imply a group of individuals, while others, like furniture or equipment, imply a singular entity.

For example, consider the sentence “The crowd was/were cheering loudly.” In this case, “crowd” implies a group of individuals, so the plural verb “were” would be appropriate.

3. Check for exceptions

There are some collective nouns that are always treated as plural and require a plural verb, regardless of the context or meaning. These include police, people, and cattle.

For example, consider the sentence “The police are investigating the crime.” In this case, “police” is always treated as plural, so the plural verb “are” would be appropriate.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement with collective nouns can be tricky, but by considering the context, meaning, and exceptions of the noun, you can choose the correct verb form. It is important to be consistent throughout your writing, as inconsistent usage can cause confusion for your readers.