Collective Nouns

Collective nouns are a group of people, places, things, or ideas that act as a single unit. Although there may be more than one in the definition of the noun itself, collective nouns act as singular nouns. For example, the collective noun “family” is considered a one, singular unit even though there are multiple members in a family. We are using “family” as one entity that acts as a whole. 

Sometimes, collective nouns can be used as singular or plural. When you are agreeing the subject with the verb, pay close attention to the context. If you are emphasizing the group as a single unit, use it as that. If you are emphasizing that the unit is acting differently and separately, it is acceptable to use the collective noun as a plural.