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collective noun

A singular noun that names a group of individual members, like team or committee.

A collective noun is a singular noun that names a group of individuals treated as one unit (team, jury, committee, family). It takes a singular verb when the group acts as one voice and a plural verb when its members act as separate individuals.

Examples

  • The committee has reached its decision (one unit).

  • The committee have expressed their individual opinions (separate members).

See also

common, proper, concrete, abstract, and collective nouns subject-verb agreement
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