Collective Nouns

​Collective Nouns

​A collective noun names a group of persons, places, or things.

When a collective noun refers to the group as a unit, the noun is considered singular.

The family went on vacation.

The flock headed on its northern course.​

When a collective noun refers to the individual members of the group who are acting separately, the noun is considered plural.

The class brought their pets to show and tell.

The family are all going their separate ways.​

Multiple Choice

The jury filed out of the courtroom.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The family (is, are) going on vacation to Georgia.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

During the game, the crowd (was, were) very enthusiastic.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The team (is, are) getting on the bus after (its, their) heartbreaking loss.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The school staff worked throughout the summer on (its, their) lesson plans.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The group of spectators (is, are) getting awfully rowdy.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The symphony (is, are) playing some of the old favorites.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The set of books fell from the shelf.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The audience (is, are) returning to (its, their) cars.

• singular

• plural

Multiple Choice

The staff (was, were) very happy about (its, their) bonuses.

• singular

• plural