Collective Nouns

A collective noun names a group of people, animals, or things as a single unit.

"The team played well." (team = a group of players, treated as one)

Even though the noun refers to many individuals, it is used as a singular noun in most cases.

Collective nouns are usually treated as singular (one unit acting together):

✓ "The team is ready." (acting as one unit) ✓ "The jury has reached a verdict."

Exception (British English): When members act individually, plural may be used:

"The committee are arguing among themselves." (individual actions)

For CBSE exams, use singular verb with collective nouns unless told otherwise.

Fill in the correct collective noun:

1. A ___ of bees attacked the farmer. → swarm
2. The ___ of judges reviewed the case. → bench
3. A ___ of ships arrived at the harbour. → fleet
4. The ___ of students performed a play. → class (or group/troupe)

Identify the collective noun:

"A pride of lions stalked the zebra herd across the savannah." Collective nouns: pride (lions), herd (zebra)

1. Write the collective noun for: (a) fish (b) lions (c) ships (d) keys
2. Correct the error: "A herd of wolves ran through the forest."
3. Why is "a murder of crows" an interesting collective noun? Research its origin.
4. Choose the correct verb: "The fleet (has/have) set sail."
5. Stretch: Invent logical collective nouns for: (a) smartphones (b) selfies (c) emojis. Explain your reasoning.