Collective nouns are words like family, team, committee, government and audience. In British English a collective noun can be used either with singular or plural verbs and pronouns. Plural forms are preferred when the group is considered as a collection of people doing personal things. Singular forms are common when the group is seen as an impersonal unit.

In American English, collective nouns are almost always followed by singular verbs.

Here is a list of collective nouns which can be used with both singular and plural verbs in British English.

Bank, the BBC, choir, class, club, committee, family, firm, government, jury, ministry, orchestra, party, public, school, staff, team, union etc.

Grammar Notes

Police is normally used as a plural noun.

The police are looking for the man who robbed the bank.

Family can be used with both singular and plural verbs in American English.

My family live in different parts of Detroit.

My family has just 4 members.

Complete the following sentences using appropriate verbs or pronouns.

1. The average Indian family …………………………………… now smaller and richer than it was 50 years ago.

a) is

b) are

2. The team ………………………………….. in Milan this weekend.

a) is

b) are

3. The committee ………………………………………… divided on this issue.

a) is

b) are

4. The class …………………………………………… a bright one.

a) is

b) are

5. The class …………………………………….. a mixed lot.

a) is

b) are

6. The team ……………………………………….. on the field. It has a good chance of winning.

a) is

b) are

7. The jury ………………………………………… still debating the case.

a) is

b) are

8. His family …………………………………. living in various parts of Chennai.

a) is

b) are

Answers

1. is, 2. is, 3. are, 4. is, 5. are, 6. is, 7. are, 8. are