When it comes to proper grammar, one area that often trips up even the best writers is the use of collective nouns and verb agreement. Collective nouns refer to groups of people, animals, or things and should be followed by a verb that is in agreement. Here are five sentences that demonstrate proper collective noun and verb agreement:
1. The team is ready to take on their opponents. In this sentence, the collective noun “team” is singular and requires a singular verb agreement.
2. The jury has reached its verdict. Here, “jury” is another singular collective noun, requiring a singular verb agreement.
3. The flock of birds is migrating south for the winter. “Flock” is also a singular collective noun, so it should be followed by the singular verb “is.”
4. The staff have been working tirelessly to meet their deadlines. “Staff” is a collective noun that can be both singular and plural, but in this case, the writer has chosen to use it as plural and has selected the plural verb “have” to match.
5. The committee is discussing its next steps. Lastly, “committee” is a singular collective noun that requires a singular verb agreement, as seen in the use of “is” in this sentence.
In conclusion, when working with collective nouns, writers must pay close attention to the agreement between the noun and the verb. These five examples show how proper verb agreement can enhance the clarity and professionalism of any written work. By mastering this grammar rule, writers can improve the effectiveness of their communication and avoid common errors.