Are collective nouns singular or plural?


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A collective noun can be considered as either singular or plural depending on the sense of the sentence.

Collective Noun Singular or Plural?

A collective noun can be singular or plural depending on the sense of the sentence. In the first example below, the shoal is considered as one unit. Therefore, 'shoal' is considered singular. However, in the second example, the shoal is considered as lots of individuals, and 'shoal' is considered plural.

Examples:

The shoal was moving north.

(singular - considered as one unit)

The shoal were darting in all directions.

(plural - considered as individuals)

As far as I am concerned, Marylebone Cricket Club still has nineteenth-century values and standards.

Add a Word to Avoid the Issue

To simplify matters, a word for the individuals within the group can be introduced. In the first example below, it is necessary to decide whether the collective noun 'jury' should be singular or plural. However, by adding 'members of', it is obvious that a plural verb should be used.

Examples:

The jury is/are to convene at 4 o'clock.
(A decision is required: Is "jury" singular or plural?)

The members of the jury are to convene at 4 o'clock.

(no decision required - the word "members" is plural)

COLLECTIVE NOUN?

A collective noun is a word that represents a group. For example: committee, board, team, jury, family, choir, group, etc.

See the lesson Types of Nouns.