The Chicago Manual of Style advises, “A mass noun (sometimes called a noncount noun) is one that denotes something uncountable, either because it is abstract. We understand why some words can grate on our nerves or ears when they differ from what we have learned and used over the years. They work harder when the foreman is around. How do you know that work, not works, is plural? Think about which word you would use with he and which word you would use with they. Their is a clue that staff is not acting as a unit. Our staff work hard to meet their goals and deadlines. Staff, a collective noun, is acting as a single unit in this sentence.ĥ. Our staff meets on Tuesday mornings to discuss customer complaints. The intention here is to indicate that this percentage represents a single group.Ĥ. ![]() The word population is a collective noun that can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on the intention of the author. The plural verb were and pronoun their are used if the writer intends to convey that there were some differences of opinion among the team, but overall they were happy with the presentations.ģ. The mock trial team were happy with their presentations to the judge. The singular verb was and pronoun its are used if the writer intends to convey that team members were generally all happy with the presentations. The mock trial team was happy with its presentations to the judge. Team is being used as a cohesive unit so a singular verb is required.Ģ. The team is headed to the nationals since winning the state finals. Our staff works/work hard to meet their goals and deadlines. ![]() Our staff meets/meet on Tuesday mornings to discuss customer complaints.ĥ. Nearly 25% of the population is/are Muslim.Ĥ. The mock trial team was/were happy with /its/their presentations to the judge.ģ. The team is/are headed to the nationals since winning the state finals.Ģ. To learn more about subject and verb agreement, click here.ġ. In this sentence, the object of the preposition is building, which is always singular. The subject is twelve percent, which will be either singular or plural depending on the object of the preposition that follows. Therefore, 25% becomes plural in meaning.Įxample: Twelve percent of the building has/have been renovated. We have already said that people is plural. In this case people is the object of the preposition of. Fractions and percentages, like team and staff, can be either singular or plural depending on the object of the preposition following. Why is 25% of people are correct? The subject of this sentence is 25%. It might be better to reword the sentence: Nearly 25% of people in the world are Muslim. That intention gets lost by focusing on one is. ![]() Let’s get real here, however: The intention in this headline is to let us know that nearly 25% of the world’s population is Muslim. This means that people is the object of the preposition. In the above sentence, the prepositional phrase is in four people. However, the subject is one, which is singular and takes a singular verb. People is NOT a collective noun like team or staff. Would you choose is or are in the example below?Įxample (an actual headline from CNN.com): Nearly one in four people worldwide is/are Muslim. If the sentence indicates more individuality, use a plural verb.Įxample: The team are eating with their families tonight. ![]() If these nouns are acting as a unit, use a singular verb.Įxample: The team is heading for practice this afternoon. Subject and Verb Agreement with Collective Nounsĭo you use a singular or plural verb to match a collective noun such as team or staff? The answer is, It depends.
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