Collective Noun: Definition, Uses, Examples, and Practice Exercises with Answers

A collective noun is a word in English grammar that represents a group of animals, people, or objects/things as a single unit. To avoid naming each member of a group individually, collective nouns help refer to the group as a whole. Examples include herd, flock, fleet, gang, and choir.

Singular Form:

Collective Nouns typically take singular verbs, even though they refer to more than one individual, because they are considered as one unit. However, there are some cases in which the individuals in the group act separately. In those cases, the collective noun takes a plural verb.

Collective Noun Examples:

• A bunch of keys were lying on the floor.
• A troop of dancers is participating in India’s Got Talent.
• We saw a parliament of owls in the jungle.

Collective Nouns List

Also Read:

Rules of Uncountable Nouns	Rules of Countable Nouns
List of Proper Nouns	List of Common Nouns

Definition of Collective Noun: Oxford Dictionary

According to Oxford Dictionary, “a singular noun, such as committee or team, that refers to a group of people, animals or things and, in British English, can be used with either a singular or a plural verb. In American English, it must be used with a singular verb.”

Example of Collective Nouns:

• A choir of singers performed at the church.
• She placed a bunch of flowers in the vase.
• A pack of dogs ran after a little girl.

Word Origin: The term “Collective” comes from the Latin word collectivus, meaning “gathered together”. Whereas the term “Noun” comes from the Latin word nomen, meaning “name”.

Pronunciation:

UK: /kəˌlek.tɪv ˈnaʊn/

US: /kəˌlek.tɪv ˈnaʊn/

Definition of Collective Noun: Cambridge Dictionary

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “a noun that describes a group of things or people as a unit.”

Refer to the table below for a list of common collective nouns in English grammar, grouped in different categories.

Collective Nouns for People

Below is the list of collective nouns for people along with their groups.

Collective Nouns for Animals

Check out list of collective nouns for animals and their groups.

Collective Nouns for Things

Below table consists of a list of collective nouns for things categorized in different groups.

Abstract Collective Nouns

Apart from people, animals, and things, there are other collective nouns for abstract concepts, events, actions, etc. The table below includes some of these collective nouns.

Also Read:

In English Grammar, collective nouns and abstract nouns are the two types of English nouns. Let’s understand the meaning of collective and abstract nouns with the help of some examples.

Collective Nouns in English

As learnt earlier, collective nouns are a group of people, animals, or things that are considered as a whole. It includes Team, Class, Bunch, Jury, Flock, etc.

Collective Nouns Examples:

• The jury has made its decision.
• This class is known for its mischiefs.

Abstract Nouns in English

On the other hand, abstract nouns describe the idea, feeling, state, or quality that cannot be seen or touched. Simply put, abstract nouns name things that exist as a concept or in the mind only. These include Freedom, Loyalty, Hate, Love, Anxiety, etc.

Abstract Nouns Examples:

• The children love their teachers.
• One must respect their elders.

Learn how to use English collective nouns in a sentence.

1. Verbs in Collective Nouns

In general, collective nouns take singular verbs, as they are treated as a single unit. However, they can also take plural verbs, depending on the meaning.

If the group acts as one, a singular verb is used. On the other hand, if the group’s members act individually, a plural verb is used in the sentence.

Examples:

• The team won the match.
• The family are packing their own bags.

Note: American English usually treats collective nouns as singular, while British English also uses the plural form of the verb in case members of the group act independently.

Also Read: Different Forms of Verbs in English

2. As the Subject or Object of the Sentence

We can use collective nouns as the subject or object of a sentence. Also, note that its placement as a subject or object does not change the use of a plural or singular verb.

Example:

• The class is participating in the play. (Subject)
• We saw a pride of lions during the jungle safari. (Object)

3. Use with Articles or Quantifiers

We can also use collective nouns with articles or quantifiers. The English articles or quantifiers helps define or count the groups.

Example:

• A pack of cards is not enough for this game. (Singular) (Article ‘a’)
• Several groups of employees went for the field trip. (Plural) (Quantifier ‘Several’)

4. Be Consistent with Verbs and Pronouns

After deciding the singular or plural form of the verb, maintain consistency in the verbs and pronouns throughout the sentence or paragraph.

Example:

• The committee has reviewed all the applicants. They have decided to select only five candidates. (Incorrect)

(Here, ‘committee’ is singular, but ‘they’ is plural)

• The committee has reviewed all the applicants. It has decided to select only five candidates. (Correct)

Collective Nouns Exercise

Collective Noun Exercise Answer Key

Also Read:

How to Use Tenses in a Sentence

Use of English Gerunds in a Sentence

How to Identify Adverbs in a Sentence

As defined, collective nouns refer to a group of animals, people, or things and are considered a single unit, thus taking a singular verb. However, with subject-verb agreement, collective nouns can be tricky, as they may take singular or plural verbs. Whether a singular or plural verb is to be used depends on the meaning and context of the sentence.

Collective Nouns and Singular Verb

When the group is acting as a single unit, a singular verb is used in the sentence.

Example:

• The team is practicing for the next match.
• The audience is enjoying the performance.

Here, both the team and the audience are considered as one single group or entity.

Collective Nouns and Plural Verb

When the members of the group are acting individually, a plural verb is used in the sentence.

Example:

• The committee have different opinions on how to organize the event.
• The jury are delivering their verdict.

Here, the members of the committee and the jury are acting individually.

Follow these tips to have a strong hold on Collective Nouns:

1. First of all, understand the basics of Collective Nouns. Learn the meaning of collective nouns and understand how to use them in a sentence. 

2. Categorize collective nouns into three groups:

• Collective Nouns for People
• Collective Nouns for Animals
• Collective Nouns for Things

It will help you easily determine and learn collective nouns for different people, animals, and objects. Prepare a list of your own with three columns as people, animals, and objects, respectively, and daily fill in the columns with words you see every day in the appropriate column. Then every week search and learn what their group is called (collective noun).

3. Try to frame sentences of your own with the collective nouns. The best way to remember a collective noun for a group is by deliberately using it in a conversation.

4. Make flashcards to learn and revise collective nouns. Consistently revising them will help answer questions in exams.

5. Revise at least 10 collective nouns every 2-3 days.

6. Play online games and quizzes for a little fun and knowledge.