##  [verb agreement with collective nouns](/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-collective-nouns)

##  Avertissement

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A present-tense verb (as well as a simple past form of the verb *be*) must agree in number with its subject. That is, the verb must be singular if its subject is singular, and plural if its subject is plural.

Matching subjects and verbs sounds easy. But confusion can arise when collective nouns are used as subjects.

## Collective nouns

A collective noun is used to refer to an entire group of persons, animals or things; it therefore includes more than one member. For example, the collective noun *family* stands for parents and children. A *pack* contains many wolves. A *flotilla* is made up of several boats.

Here are some examples of common collective nouns:

- People: *board, choir, class, committee, family, group, jury, panel, staff*
- Animals: *flock, herd, pod, swarm*
- Things: *bunch, collection, fleet, flotilla, pack, set*

## Singular and plural verbs with collective nouns

A plural collective noun takes a plural verb: *Families **enjoy** this restaurant*.

A singular collective noun usually takes a singular verb: *Our family **enjoys** this restaurant*.

But there are some cases where a singular collective noun actually expresses a plural idea and needs a plural verb. The guidelines below will help you decide whether a singular collective noun takes a singular or plural verb.

### When to use a singular verb

When all the members of a collective noun are performing an action as a unit (and that’s usually the case), use a singular verb.

- The chamber *orchestra* often **plays** at the Art Centre.
- The *cast* **is** celebrating the success of the play with a party after the performance.
- A wolf *pack* **hunts** as a group.
- The *fleet* **was** anchored in the channel.

### When to use a plural verb

When the members of a collective noun are performing an action as individuals, use a plural verb. In this case, all or some members of the group are doing something independently of the other members; the group is not acting together as a unit.

- The *orchestra* **are** tuning their instruments.
- The *cast* **have** been practising their lines.
- The *flock* **were** running off in every direction.
- The *staff* **disagree** on the proposal.

In many cases, it may sound more natural to make the subject plural in form by adding a word like *members*:

- The *members* of the orchestra **are** tuning their instruments.
- The cast *members* **have** been practising their lines.
- The staff *members* **disagree** on the proposal.

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