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Questions and Answers
What is the correct verb form to use when a collective noun is acting as a single unit?
What is the correct verb form to use when a collective noun is acting as a single unit?
- A plural verb
- Either a singular or plural verb, depending on the writer's preference
- A singular verb (correct)
- No verb is needed, as collective nouns are not acted upon
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
- The teams are going to the championship.
- The team are going to the championship.
- The team is going to the championship. (correct)
- The teams is going to the championship.
What is the correct verb form to use when referring to a singular noun?
What is the correct verb form to use when referring to a singular noun?
- No verb is needed, as singular nouns are not acted upon
- Either a singular or plural verb, depending on the context
- A singular verb (correct)
- A plural verb
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
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What is the correct verb form to use when a plural noun is used as a singular entity?
What is the correct verb form to use when a plural noun is used as a singular entity?
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Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
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Study Notes
Subject-Verb Agreement
Collective Nouns
- Collective nouns are groups of people, animals, or things (e.g. family, team, herd)
- Can be treated as singular or plural depending on the context
- If the collective noun is acting as a single unit, use a singular verb:
- The family is going on vacation.
- If the collective noun is acting as individual members, use a plural verb:
- The family are arguing among themselves.
Singular Nouns
- Singular nouns refer to one person, place, or thing (e.g. cat, city, book)
- Always take a singular verb:
- The cat is sleeping.
- The city is populated.
Plural Nouns
- Plural nouns refer to more than one person, place, or thing (e.g. cats, cities, books)
- Always take a plural verb:
- The cats are sleeping.
- The cities are populated.
Additional Rules
- When a plural noun is used as a singular entity, use a singular verb:
- The news is breaking.
- When a singular noun is used to represent a class or group, use a plural verb:
- A person are often misunderstood.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Collective Nouns
- Collective nouns represent groups of people, animals, or things (e.g. family, team, herd)
- Can be treated as singular or plural, depending on the context of the sentence
- Use a singular verb when the collective noun acts as a single unit
- Use a plural verb when the collective noun acts as individual members
Singular Nouns
- Singular nouns refer to one person, place, or thing (e.g. cat, city, book)
- Always take a singular verb
- Examples: The cat is sleeping, The city is populated
Plural Nouns
- Plural nouns refer to more than one person, place, or thing (e.g. cats, cities, books)
- Always take a plural verb
- Examples: The cats are sleeping, The cities are populated
Additional Rules
- When a plural noun is used as a singular entity, use a singular verb
- Example: The news is breaking
- When a singular noun is used to represent a class or group, use a plural verb
- Example: A person are often misunderstood
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