Collective Nouns

Front

What is a collective noun?

Back

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'.

Front

Give an example of a collective noun used in a sentence.

Back

The flock of birds flew south for the winter.

Front

How does a collective noun affect verb agreement?

Back

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

Front

What is the verb form used with the collective noun 'jury'?

Back

The jury 'argue' among themselves over the verdict.

Front

What is the verb form used with the collective noun 'class'?

Back

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

Front

What is the verb form used with the collective noun 'committee'?

Back

The budget committee 'reaches' a final decision.

Front

What is the verb form used with the collective noun 'swarm'?

Back

The bee swarm 'buzzes' around the hive.

Front

What is the verb form used with the collective noun 'Supreme Court'?

Back

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

Front

When do collective nouns take plural verbs?

Back

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

Front

List three examples of collective nouns.

Back

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