Collective Nouns – How Groups are Named in English?

By WR!TERS@WORK

Most people know that a bunch of cows is called a herd and that a bunch of lions is called a pride. But did you know that a bunch of otters is sometimes called a raft? Or that a bunch of swans can be called a wedge, but only when they’re flying?

Collective nouns are names for groups of animals. There are about two hundred collective nouns in English.

Sample Question:

The main reason Mrs Chandra wanted a dog was that

1) They are adorable

2) They are social animals

3) they are loyal to their masters

Source: 2023 P6 English Prelim Tao Nan

Are Collective Nouns Singular or Plural?

When faced with sentences involving collective nouns like a flock of birds, it’s essential to remember their singular nature for grammatical agreement. Otherwise, errors may occur in subject-verb agreement within the sentence structure. The town residents encountered issues when dealing with a group of escaped pigs that were causing havoc in their neighbourhoods.

However, it’s also common to treat a collective noun as plural when the group members are acting individually. In British English, collective nouns are often treated as plural. The band toured all summer. The staff always seemed to take their lunch break when we visited the shop.

Three Tips on How to Use Collective Nouns

Using collective nouns correctly can be tricky, but once you understand how to match them with the proper verbs, it becomes easier. Here are three tips to help you:

Lean Toward Singular

1. In American English, it is generally preferred to use singular verbs when referring to collective nouns. For instance, The team plays every Saturday, or The flock of birds is flying overhead. However, there are exceptions where a plural verb is necessary, such as with police, as in The police were patrolling the area.

Collective nouns like family, committee, and band typically take singular verbs in American English. So, the family enjoys spending weekends together, and the committee has reached a decision. This helps maintain clarity and consistency in writing.

Sample Question:

The furniture retailer came clean about their error through an explanation on the tag in addition to the words,” These bags are limited edition, and they will not be back!

Source:2023 P6 English Prelim Tao Nan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

When to Use a Singular or Plural Verb With a Collective Noun?

When one is unsure whether to use a singular or plural verb with a collective noun, consider the context of the sentence. If the emphasis is on the group acting as a unit, go for the singular verb. But if individual members within the group are being highlighted, opt for the plural form.

Overall, using singular verbs with collective nouns can simplify language and make communication more precise. It’s a common practice in American English that promotes clarity and ease of understanding in written and spoken expression.

When to Make the Subject Plural With Collective Noun Usage?

2. When using a collective noun with a plural verb, it is essential to consider the clarity and coherence of the sentence. For example, in the sentence The team were celebrating their victory, it may be more precise to say Members of the team were celebrating their victory. This adjustment helps readers identify who precisely is being referred to. By specifying all the members, the sentence becomes more precise and more informative.

Similarly, in sentences involving collective nouns like committee, group, or jury, adding members before the collective noun can make sure everything is clear. For instance, instead of saying The group were divided on their decision, you could say Members of the group were divided on their decision.

This technique not only makes the subject more transparent but also ensures that the verb agrees in number with its subject. It eliminates ambiguity and helps convey information more accurately. Additionally, by using phrases like members of, writers can provide additional context about who or what is being discussed.

By making this minor adjustment, writers can enhance the readability and effectiveness of their sentences. It allows for better communication and understanding between the writer and the reader. Overall, paying attention to these details improves the overall quality of writing and ensures that messages are conveyed effectively.

How to Maintain Consistency in Using Collective Nouns?

3. It is essential to maintain consistency in using singular or plural forms when referring to collective nouns in writing. This ensures that pronouns and verbs are in agreement with the number of the collective nouns. For instance, if you refer to a company as a singular entity, then subsequent pronouns and verbs should also be singular. Conversely, if you treat a group as a plural unit, ensure that pronouns and verbs align accordingly.

How to Use Collective Nouns Accurately?

4. Consistency promotes clarity and prevents confusion for the reader. When there is mixed usage of singular and plural forms with collective nouns, it leads to grammatical errors and makes the writing sound disjointed. Your writing will have a professional appearance.

Remember that collective nouns can be tricky because they represent a group but may take a singular or plural form depending on context. Examples include team, which can be either singular (the team is winning) or plural (the team is competing fiercely).