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 |
|---|---|
| Class 9 was terribly loud today. | I see class 9 as a group. |
| Class 9 were terribly loud today. | I see the single members of class 9. Everybody was loud. I could also say: The kids in class 9 were terribly loud. |
There are more words which can be singular or plural nouns:
army, band, choir, club, crew, company, firm, gang, government, orchestra, party, staff, team
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