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Collective Nouns

Collective Nouns are used as a group. They take a singular verb. But when they suggest the
members of the group individually, they take a plural verb.
1. (a) This family is not rich anymore. (singular)

(b) This family are perfectly stable. (plural)
2. (a) Let me know what the army is planning. (singular)

(b) The army are breaking up. (plural)
Common collective nouns

army audience board company
committee data family jury

flock group government media
public staff team

Nouns Standing for a Class

When we mention the people who share the same qualities or characteristics, we put an adjective
rather than a noun and use determiner the before it.
Instead of saying young people, we say the young.
Instead of saying poor people, we say the poor. Hospital

(a) We never add s to such a noun.

(b) When such a noun is used, it takes a plural verb.
(i) The poor are always at the mercy of the rich.
(ii) The injured were taken to the district hospital.

Nationality showing Nouns

Nationality showing nouns are of two types:
(a) Nouns those have plurals.

Indians, Italians, Americans
(b) Those are adjectives preceded by 'the'

the Japanese, the Chinese, the Nepalese, etc.

Gerunds

A gerund is a noun which ends in –ing. It looks like a present participle but functions as a noun.
1. Walking is a good exercise.

2. Driving needs much care.
Some given gerundial nouns are given below.

swimming knowing batting bowling
gambling drinking painting drawing

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