Subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of the English language. It is necessary to ensure that the grammar used in written text is accurate and effective in communicating the intended message. One important rule of subject-verb agreement is rule number six, which states that collective nouns should be treated as singular or plural as the situation demands. In this article, we will explore some examples of rule number six to help writers better understand this principle.
Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or objects. Examples of collective nouns include team, family, audience, and committee. When using collective nouns, it is vital to determine whether they should function as a singular or plural noun in a given sentence.
– Example 1: The team is preparing for the championship game.
In this example, the collective noun “team” is singular because it is considered as one unit. Hence, the singular verb “is” is used instead of “are” which is used for plural verbs.
– Example 2: The team are arguing about who should play in the final.
In this example, the collective noun “team” is plural because the emphasis is on the members of the team and not as a single entity. Hence, the plural verb “are” is used instead of “is”.
– Example 3: The audience was captivated by the performance.
In this example, “audience” is considered a singular collective noun because it is viewed as a single group rather than a collection of individuals. Hence, the singular verb “was” is used instead of “were”.
– Example 4: The audience were clapping and cheering loudly.
In contrast to example 3, this example treats “audience” as a plural noun because its members are being viewed as individuals who are participating as a group. Therefore, the plural verb “were” is used in the sentence.
– Example 5: The committee is divided on the issue of funding.
In this example, “committee” is treated as a singular collective noun because it is viewed as a single decision-making unit. Hence, the singular verb “is” is used instead of “are”.
– Example 6: The committee are discussing their opinions on the matter.
In contrast to example 5, this example treats “committee” as a plural collective noun because its members are individuals who have differing views. Hence, the plural verb “are” is used in the sentence.
In conclusion, rule number six of subject-verb agreement is essential to ensure that collective nouns are treated correctly in written text. By considering the context and purpose of the sentence, writers can determine whether to use singular or plural verbs with collective nouns. Mastering this rule ensures that the message being conveyed is accurate and effective.
