Subject Verb Agreement with Group Nouns

Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language that can make or break your writing. One particular area that often confuses writers is when using group nouns. Group nouns are words that refer to a collection of people, things, or animals, such as team, jury, family, staff, and audience.

When using group nouns in a sentence, it is essential to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject. This means that the verb must match the number of the subject, whether singular or plural. For instance, when referring to a singular group noun, you should use a singular verb, whereas using a plural verb for a group noun in a plural form is necessary.

Here are some examples of sentences with group nouns, and how to ensure proper subject-verb agreement:

1. The jury was unable to reach a verdict.

In this sentence, “jury” is a singular noun, so the verb “was” is also singular. If you were to use “were” instead, it would be incorrect, as it would suggest there were multiple juries.

2. The family is going on vacation.

Similarly, “family” is a singular noun, so the verb “is” is also singular. Using “are” would be incorrect, as it suggests there are multiple families.

3. The staff are preparing for the conference.

In this sentence, “staff” is a plural noun, so the verb “are” is also plural. Using “is” would be incorrect, as it suggests there is only one staff member.

4. The audience was cheering loudly.

Again, “audience” is a singular noun, so the verb “was” is also singular. Using “were” would be incorrect, as it suggests there are multiple audiences.

It is important to note that some group nouns can be both singular and plural, depending on the context. For example, “team” can be singular or plural, depending on whether you are referring to the entire group or the individual members. In such cases, it is crucial to consider the context of your sentence carefully and make the necessary adjustments to ensure proper subject-verb agreement.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement with group nouns is crucial in ensuring clear and accurate writing. Always remember to match your verb with the number of the subject, whether singular or plural. With this basic rule in mind, you can easily avoid common mistakes and produce well-written, engaging content.