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Ali.h Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Question about collective nouns

Can we use the verb 'is' for collective nouns? or we can only use the plural verb 'are'?

Example:

Can I say: the poultry IS...

Also do collective nouns have yet another plural form? I mean are they not already plural?

Lastly is this a correct full definition of a collective noun in English:

A noun which is singular in form but plural in meaning: poultry cattle.
  

Top answer

" Most collective nouns have separate plural forms: "family" / "families". These are truly grammatically plural and always take plural verbs. "poultry" and "cattle" are exceptions: they do not have separate plural forms.

— Mr Wordy

  • " Most collective nouns have separate plural forms: "family" / "families".
  • These are truly grammatically plural and always take plural verbs.
  • "poultry" and "cattle" are exceptions: they do not have separate plural forms.
  • "poultry" can take either a singular or plural verb, while "cattle" always takes a plural verb.
  • In fact, I am not completely sure whether "poultry" and "cattle" would be classified as true collective nouns.
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1 Answers
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Most collective nouns are grammatically singular, but can (at least in BrE) take singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the whole group or the individual members:

"My family is a close-knit unit."

"My family are always arguing amongst themselves."

Most collective nouns have separate plural forms: "family" / "families". These are truly grammati
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