Collective Nouns

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of individuals or things as a single entity, such as 'team', 'flock', or 'class'.

The flock of birds flew south for the winter.

Collective nouns usually take a singular verb when the group acts as a single unit, e.g., 'The team wins the game.'

The jury 'argue' among themselves over the verdict.

The class 'takes' a trip to Washington, DC.

The budget committee 'reaches' a final decision.

The bee swarm 'buzzes' around the hive.

The Supreme Court 'rules' on many of its cases each year.

Collective nouns take plural verbs when the individuals in the group act separately, e.g., 'The team are wearing their new uniforms.'

1. Flock (of birds) 2. Team (of players) 3. Class (of students)