Collective Nouns | English for Law Entrances

What are Collective Nouns?

Collective nouns are words used to describe a group of people, animals, or things. Instead of referring to each individual separately, a collective noun represents the group as a whole. These nouns are singular in form but refer to multiple entities.

Here are some examples of collective nouns:

People: army, audience, class, committee, crowd, family, group, team.

Example: The team is practising for the upcoming game.

Animals: flock, herd, pack, swarm, school, pride.

Example: The flock of birds flew across the sky.

Things: collection, fleet, set, stack, series.

Example: She has an impressive collection of stamps.

Collective nouns can also be specific to certain types of animals or professions. For example, a “pride” is a collective noun used for a group of lions and a “fleet” is used for a group of ships.

It’s important to note that while collective nouns are generally treated as singular, they can sometimes be used with either singular or plural verbs depending on the context. For example, you can say “The team is” or “The team are,” but the usage may vary in different English-speaking regions.

Are Collective Nouns Singular or Plural?

Collective nouns are singular in form but can be used with both singular and plural verbs, depending on the context and regional variations. This can sometimes lead to confusion. In British English, collective nouns are more commonly treated as plural, whereas in American English, they are often treated as singular. 

For example, in British English, you might say “The team are practising,” while in American English, you would say “The team is practising.” It’s important to be aware of the conventions in the region you are using the language to ensure consistency.

What are the Different Types of Collective Nouns?

There are various types of collective nouns, and they can be grouped based on the entities they refer to. Here are some examples:

Collective nouns for people: army, audience, class, committee, crowd, family, group, team.

Collective nouns for animals: flock, herd, pack, swarm, school, pride.

Collective nouns for things: collection, fleet, set, stack, series.

Additionally, specific collective nouns exist for particular groups of animals or professions. For instance, a group of lions is called a “pride,” a group of geese is called a “gaggle,” and a group of ships is called a “fleet.”

How do I use Collective Nouns in a Sentence?

When using collective nouns, you have the option to treat them as singular nouns or use plural verbs, depending on the context. Here are examples of both approaches:

Singular verb: “The team is practising for the upcoming game.”

Plural verb: “The team are training hard to improve their skills.”

The choice between using a singular or plural verb with a collective noun often depends on whether you want to emphasise the group as a single entity or highlight the individuals within the group.

Can Collective Nouns have Different Forms for Different Groups of Animals?

Yes, collective nouns can have different forms for different groups of animals. Some collective nouns are specific to certain species. For example:

• A group of crows is called a “murder.”
• A group of geese on the ground is called a “gaggle,” while in flight, they are referred to as a “skein” or “wedge.”
• A group of fish swimming together is called a “school.”

Different species may have their own unique collective nouns based on traditional usage and linguistic creativity.

How do I know Which Collective Noun to Use?

Choosing the correct collective noun can sometimes be a matter of convention or tradition. To determine the appropriate collective noun for a specific group, you can consult resources such as dictionaries, reference books, or online sources. These resources often list collective nouns for various animals, professions, or specific groups. 

Additionally, familiarising yourself with commonly used collective nouns in English will help you make accurate choices when referring to groups. Observing how collective nouns are used in literature, media, and everyday conversations can also provide valuable guidance.