![]() Examples: Collective nouns in US EnglishThe board is in disagreement about appointing a successor.įoo Fighters is an overrated band. In formal and academic writing, therefore, you should be careful to treat collective nouns as singular, even when they are plural in appearance (e.g., some band names). This doesn’t mean that people never do so, but it would be against the rules of most American style guides. In US English, it’s regarded as incorrect to use a plural verb form with a collective noun. In UK English, either way is acceptable, and usage tends to vary depending on the context.In US English, it’s standard to always treat collective nouns as singular.Frequently asked questions about collective nounsĬollective nouns are most commonly treated as singular (i.e., used with singular verb forms like ‘is’), but usage varies between US and UK English:. ![]() Are collective nouns singular or plural?.Utilizing appropriate collective nouns not only enhances the precision of language but also enriches our understanding of these animals’ social structures and behaviors. Business: An apt term for a group of busy ferrets.Scurry: A scuttling group of squirrels.Drift or Parade: When referring to a group of pigs.Nest: Can refer to snakes and some other reptiles in a breeding congregation.Ĭollectives for lesser-known or more specific animals include:.Plague: Can describe a large, destructive group of insects, especially locusts.Colony: Used for a group of ants or bees when referring to their integrated community.Swarm: Typically associated with bees or other insects in flight.Raft: Often refers to a group of waterfowl on the water.Pod: Commonly describes a group of marine mammals such as dolphins or whales.School or Shoal: Terms used interchangeably for a large group of fish.Kettle: A term for a group of circling birds of prey during migration.Gaggle: A noisy group of geese on the ground in the air, this group becomes a skein.Murder: Specifically refers to a group of crows.Flock: A general term for a group of birds, particularly when in flight.Troop: A collection of monkeys or baboons.Mob: Often used for groups of kangaroos or wallabies.Pack: Typically denotes a group of canines, such as wolves or dogs.Pride: A family unit of lions, usually consisting of related females and their offspring, along with a smaller number of adult males.Herd: Commonly refers to a group of grazing ungulates like deer or elephants.These collective nouns often have historical and folkloric origins, providing an interesting glimpse into language and animal behavior. In the animal kingdom, specific terms are used to describe groups of animals. These collective nouns are not only fascinating linguistic tools but also serve as a reflection of the intricate social structures within the animal kingdom. Some terms have become so common that they are widely recognized and understood: The usage of these terms can add color and precision to language, allowing one to convey specific details about the group being described. ![]() ![]() Table 2: Aquatic Animal Collective Nouns Animal Table 1: Terrestrial Animal Collective Nouns Animal Collective nouns can be both whimsical and pragmatic, often derived from observations of animal behavior or characteristics.īelow are two tables that categorize some common animal collective nouns: When discussing collective nouns, it is essential to understand that these are terms used to describe a group of entities of the same species. Understanding and using the appropriate collective nouns for animals is not only a sign of linguistic prowess but also enhances the clarity and color of communication. Such terms add a collective identity to various animal species and can serve as a mnemonic device to help remember groups of animals. These collective nouns for animals range from the familiar to the obscure, offering an intriguing insight into the animals they describe.
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