Subject-verb agreement is an important aspect of writing that determines how a sentence is structured and understood. Rule 20 of subject-verb agreement states that collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on the intended meaning.
A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people, animals, or things. Examples include team, family, herd, audience, and crowd. These nouns can be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is seen as a unit or as individuals.
When the group is seen as a unit, the collective noun takes a singular verb. For example, “The team is playing well today” and “The family is on vacation.” In these sentences, the team and family are seen as a single entity, so a singular verb is used.
When the group is seen as individuals, the collective noun takes a plural verb. For example, “The team are all wearing their new jerseys” and “The family are all going their separate ways.” In these sentences, the members of the team and family are viewed as individuals, so a plural verb is used.
It is important to note that some collective nouns are always singular, such as furniture, equipment, and luggage. These nouns represent a single item or group of items, so they should always take a singular verb.
In conclusion, rule 20 of subject-verb agreement highlights the importance of understanding how collective nouns function in a sentence. By recognizing whether the group is seen as a unit or as individuals, writers can ensure that their sentences are grammatically correct and effectively communicate their intended meaning.