Mastering Collective Nouns in English Grammar

The video tutorial by Adam on www.engvid.com covers the topic of collective nouns, such as 'staff', 'police', 'audience', and 'family'. It explains how these nouns can refer to a group as a whole or individual members, and discusses the challenge of choosing the correct verb form—singular or plural—based on the speaker's intention. The tutorial highlights regional differences in usage between the US and UK and provides examples to illustrate these points. It also suggests using specific terms like 'staff members' or 'police officers' to clarify intent. The video concludes with a recommendation to visit the website for further practice.

What is a collective noun?

• A noun that refers to an abstract concept.

• A noun that refers to a group of individuals.

• A noun that refers to a place.

• A noun that refers to a single item.

Which sentence correctly uses a singular verb with a collective noun?

• The staff were invited to the BBQ.

• The staff was invited to the BBQ.

• The staff are invited to the BBQ.

• The staff be invited to the BBQ.

When should you use a plural verb with a collective noun?

• When referring to the individuals within the group.

• When referring to the group as a whole.

• When the noun is singular.

• When the noun is plural.

Which sentence is more natural in British English?

• The staff is working hard.

• The staff are working hard.

• The staff works hard.

• The staff has worked hard.

How do Americans typically use verbs with collective nouns?

• They avoid using collective nouns.

• They use both singular and plural verbs interchangeably.

• They use singular verbs.

• They use plural verbs.

Which sentence correctly uses 'police' with a singular verb?

• The police be cracking down on texters.

• The police were cracking down on texters.

• The police is cracking down on texters.

• The police are cracking down on texters.

How can you clarify that you are referring to individuals within a collective noun?

• By using a different noun.

• By using a singular verb.

• By using a plural verb.

• By adding a word like 'members' or 'officers'.

Which of the following is a correct way to refer to individual members of a staff?

• Staff be invited.

• Staff were invited.

• Staff is invited.

• Staff members are invited.

What should you do if you are unsure about which verb to use with a collective noun?

• Avoid using the collective noun.

• Refer to the individuals within the group.

• Always use a plural verb.

• Always use a singular verb.

Which of the following sentences is correct?

• The family was going to the park.

• The family are going to the park.

• The family is going to the park.

• The family be going to the park.