A group of animals is or a group of animals are

A group is (the prepositional phrase doesn't alter the fact that it is only one group).

AnonymousWhich is correct? Should you say, " A group of animals is passing by," or A group of animals are passing by."?

I think Philip's version is AmE. In BrE, either 'is' or 'are' is correct. If the animals are viewed as a group, use 'is' and if perceived as individual animals use 'are'.

American or British, "a group" of anything is always singular in my book.

GoodmanAmerican or British, "a group" of anything is always singular in my book.

collective noun (grammar) a singular noun, such as 'committee' or 'team, that refers to a group of animals, people or things, and, in BrE, can be used with either a singular or plural verb. In AmE it must be used with a singular verb.

(Oxford Advanced Lea

A congregation of churchgoers are/is going to have their lunch at the church premises.

Which is correct - are or is.

In my opinion, this is a case in which "notional concord" applies.

You may use either one, depending on which way you are thinkng of it.

But you'd need to be consistent. If you're going to use the plural "their," use "are."

It would be a little bizarre to say, "A congregation of churchgoers is going to have its lunch."

But it would b

Hi Avangi

I'd be anxious to see Yoong's Oxford reference.

(Well, he doesn't actually say that Oxford claims it's incorrect to use "are" in AmE.)

I have reproduced the quotation for your easy reference. Please note the last sentence in bold.

collective noun (grammar) a singular noun, such as 'committee' or 'team, that refers to a group of animals, p

Thanks, Yoong.

I was really surprised to come across this thread - especially "Goodman's" post.

I remember several threads on this subject, all of which were answered by native US speakers (I remember GG in particular). All seemed to recognize the notion of "notional concord."

Did your quote come from a hard copy?

If not, could I trouble you for a URL?

Hi Avangi

I have checked. That's all that is stated in the dictionary.