Are A Group Or Is A Group: Understanding Collective Nouns

The question of whether “group” should be treated as singular or plural depends on the context. When referring to the group as a unified entity, it is considered singular. For example, “the group was ready to go on stage” implies that the entire group was prepared. However, when the emphasis is on the individual members within the group, “group” is treated as plural. For instance, “the group were in disagreement about where to go for dinner” suggests that the members of the group had different opinions. This distinction clarifies the usage of “group” depending on whether the collective or individual aspects are in focus. (Date: May 19, 2016)

Understanding Collective Nouns: Frequently Asked Questions

Collective nouns are a vital part of our language, serving as nouns that identify a specific collection or group of people, animals, objects, or entities. One of the most commonly recognized collective nouns is “group.” It’s important to note that collective nouns can take two primary forms: common nouns, such as “group,” which refer to general categories, or proper nouns like “Google” and other company names, which specify unique entities.

Published on August 29, 2022