Collective Noun
Collective nouns are the names of groups when all animals, persons, things, places are taken together. Students will learn complete concepts of collective noun from this article. They are advised to follow the definition, examples and certain rules of collective noun for using these correctly in their speaking and writing English language.
There are some specific collective nouns which are only used for respective group of animals, objects, places and persons. Like army is used only for defence personnel, flock for sheep, herd for cattle or other animal, group for people etc. so, students should follow with full focus the usage of different collective nouns at different places. After some time of regular practice and study they will be able to memorise all collective nouns along with specific things.
Collective nouns are generally used in singular forms which means it takes singular verbs with it. But in some cases, collective nouns are used in both singular and plural in the same form based on the context. So, it is very much important to understand the context first before using collective noun in the accurate form.
Rules of using collective nouns:
i) Collective nouns are used in singular forms in maximum cases. For that part collective nouns take singular verbs only in a sentence.
Ex. the cattle was grazing in the field.
The swarm of bees was moving on the flowers.
ii) In some cases collective nouns are used in singular and plural as the same forms in a sentence.
Ex. the committee was active with all its members.
The committee consists of forty members.
iii) There are specific collective nouns are used for groups of particular things or persons. For remembering these nouns students should practice regularly with accurate examples.
Ex. cattle for cows, swarm for bees, bunch for fruits, army for soldiers, class for students etc.
iv) Collective nouns are used for mentioning anything with an inner form to represent many.
Examples.
Jury, committee, crown, team, army, band, government, audience etc.
The audience was spell bound in the music concert. (singular)
The audience were allowed to occupy all chairs in the venue. (plural)
The jury consist of twenty members. (plural)
The jury gave its verdict. (singular)
There are some other common examples of collective nouns. Like flock, herd, bunch, group, class, team, crowd, mob, team, library, family, army, bouquet etc.
The shepherd had a flock of sheep.
The team of all vocalists reached the concert venue before the time.
There was a family of forty members in it within our locality.
He came with a bouquet of flowers to congratulate me on my success.
FAQs:
- What is the purpose of using collective nouns?
Answer. With collective nouns we can refer the group of persons, things, places and other objects in a uniform way. Through collective nouns we can easily understand that it mentions the names of any groups.
- How can students learn collective noun correctly?
Answer. Students will learn collective noun correctly if they follow this article by understanding each rules along with its examples given.