Collective Nouns

Exercises

Explanation

1. What is a collective noun?

A collective noun names many individuals together as one entity. Although the group includes multiple members, it is often treated grammatically as a single idea.

Examples:

• The orchestra performs tonight.

• A crowd has gathered in the main square.

• Her family owns a small hotel near the coast.

• The class begins after the break.

In these sentences, the group is seen as a whole rather than as separate individuals.

2. Collective nouns for people

Many collective nouns describe groups of people working or acting together.

Common examples:

• team

• family

• staff

• audience

• committee

• jury

• crew

• band

Examples in context:

• The audience was completely silent during the final scene.

• The jury has reached a verdict.

• The crew is preparing the aircraft for take-off.

• The staff are checking their schedules for next week.
  (Here, the focus is on individual actions.)

3. Collective nouns for animals

English often uses specific collective nouns to describe groups of animals. These expressions are common in both spoken and written language.

Examples:

• a herd of deer

• a flock of birds

• a school of dolphins

• a swarm of flies

• a pack of wolves

Examples in sentences:

• A herd of deer was moving quietly through the forest.

• We watched a school of dolphins swimming beside the boat.

• A swarm of flies gathered around the food.

4. Collective nouns for objects and things

Collective nouns are also used for groups of items and materials.

Common examples:

• a stack of documents

• a bunch of balloons

• a set of instructions

• a pile of luggage

• a collection of paintings

Examples:

• She placed a stack of folders on the desk.

• A set of instructions was included in the box.

• He donated his collection of paintings to the museum.

5. Singular or plural: how to choose?

Collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs, depending on how the group is understood.

Singular verb — the group acts as one unit

Use a singular verb when the group is seen as a whole.

• The team is performing well this season.

• The committee has approved the proposal.

• The audience was delighted with the performance.

Plural verb — focus on individuals

Use a plural verb when the members act separately or have different opinions.

• The team are discussing their individual roles.

• The committee have disagreed on several points.

• The staff are wearing different uniforms today.

6. British vs American English

There is a noticeable difference between British and American usage:

• American English usually treats collective nouns as singular.

• British English allows both singular and plural forms, depending on meaning.

Both are correct, but consistency is important.

7. Pronouns with collective nouns

Pronouns must match the idea behind the noun, not just the word itself.

• The committee finished its work early. (one unit)

• The committee shared their opinions openly. (individual members)

Choosing the correct pronoun helps avoid confusion and improves clarity.

Quick Summary

• Collective nouns describe groups as a single concept

• They can refer to people, animals, or objects

• Use a singular verb when the group acts as one

• Use a plural verb when members act individually

• Pronouns should agree with meaning, not just form