Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Collective Noun

Definition: 

A collective noun is a noun that refers to a group of entities that may be considered either as individuals or as one larger entity.

Discussion: 

A collective noun may:

  • agree grammatically with the verb either as a singular noun or as a plural noun, and
  • take either a singular or plural pronoun.
Examples: 

(English)

Club

Examples:

  • It is a large club.
  • They are a large club.

Gang

Examples:

  • The gang’s all here.
  • The gang are all here.