Singular and plural for groups of people
Nouns used in singular and plural
Which phrase is correct - the class was or the class were? Is the word class a singular noun or a plural noun? This question cannot be answered with Yes or No. Use the singular if you see the class as a group of students. Use the plural if you see the class as single students.
In British English the plural is used more often than in American English.
Sentence | Explanation |
---|---|
The family is on holiday. | I see the family as a group. |
The family are packing their suitcases. | I see the single members of the family packing their suitcases. |
Sentence | Explanation |
---|---|
Team B was very successful today. | I see Team B as a group. |
Team B were very successful today. | I see the single members of Team B. Each member of the team was successful. I could also say: All members of Team B were very successful. |
There are more words which can be singular or plural nouns:
- army
- band
- choir
- class
- club
- crew
- company
- firm
- gang
- government
- orchestra
- party
- staff.