📘 Collective Noun – Explanation with Examples
A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people, animals, or things considered as a single unit.
✅ Definition:
A collective noun names a group or collection of people, animals, or things taken together and spoken of as one.
🧠 Examples of Collective Nouns:
👨👩👧👦 For People:
| Group | Collective Noun |
|---|---|
| Soldiers | An army of soldiers |
| Musicians | A band of musicians |
| Players | A team of players |
| Dancers | A troupe of dancers |
| Judges | A bench of judges |
🐘 For Animals:
| Group | Collective Noun |
|---|---|
| Lions | A pride of lions |
| Cows | A herd of cows |
| Fish | A school of fish |
| Wolves | A pack of wolves |
| Birds | A flock of birds |
📦 For Things:
| Group | Collective Noun |
|---|---|
| Keys | A bunch of keys |
| Books | A library of books |
| Islands | An archipelago of islands |
| Grapes | A bunch of grapes |
| Tools | A set of tools |
📝 Usage in Sentences:
- The team is playing well today. ✅ (Team = group of players)
- A flock of birds flew over the field.
- He owns a herd of cattle.
- The jury has reached a verdict.
🎯 Quick Tip:
Although a collective noun represents a group, it is often treated as singular:
- ✅ The committee has decided. (singular verb)
However, in British English or informal usage, plural form is sometimes used: - 🇬🇧 The committee have decided. (plural verb)
