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Collective nouns12/27/2022 ![]() ![]() The same collective nouns with prepositional phrases can be used with a plural verb to create a stronger image of many individual components-i.e., the prepositional phrase becomes an extension of the verb: The crowd of fans is roaring for an encore. ![]() The plural object of the prepositional phrase simply adds description and detail: In the following, each collective noun is a singular subject (unit) with a singular verb. Including a prepositional phrase after the collective-noun subject can help emphasize both the unit and its parts with either a singular or a plural verb depending on the context and intent. The second conveys an aggregate of different people. The first sentence underscores the group as one unit. Our staff are highly competent at their specializations. Our staff is the most professional you’ll find in the industry. It depends on whether we want to emphasize the collective noun as a unit or as an umbrella term for individuals. When we refer to a staff or a bunch, how do we decide on verb agreement, understanding the noun can be plural or singular? To help keep our mental muscles strong and flexible for careful writing, we’ll here brush up on the basics. This same economy however can raise questions about how to use collective nouns accurately and consistently. These words allow us to suggest the components without having to identify everyone or everything in the group. One such tool is the collective noun, a noun that is singular in form but singular or plural in meaning depending on the context.Ī collective noun represents a group of people, animals, or things. Collecting the Truth About Collective NounsĪmerican English offers us words as tools for efficient and clear communication. ![]()
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