Question

What is the agreement rule when dealing with a singular collective noun in American English?

A. Use a singular verb if the collective noun is close to the verb.
B. Use a singular verb if the collective noun is referring to unique individuals in the group; use a plural verb if the collective noun is clearly referring to the group as a whole.
C. Use a plural verb if the collective noun uses and.
D. Use a singular verb if the collective noun is referring to the group as a whole; use a plural verb if the collective noun is clearly referring to unique individuals in the group.

Answer 1

In American English, the rule for a singular collective noun is to use a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole, and a plural verb when referring to individuals within the group.

Step-by-step explanation:

The agreement rule for a singular collective noun in American English is as follows: Use a singular verb if the collective noun is referring to the group as a whole; use a plural verb if the collective noun is clearly referring to unique individuals within the group. Here are a couple of examples to illustrate this:

\\

• \\\\\\

\\

To provide clarity when the group members are acting individually, it is common to add the word 'members' and use a plural verb. For example:

\\

• \\\\