A group of students is

Definition

The phrase 'a group of students is' refers to a collective noun construction where a singular verb 'is' is used to describe a collection of individuals regarded as a single entity. This usage highlights how collective nouns can affect subject-verb agreement, particularly when the focus is on the group as a whole rather than on the individual members within that group.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'A group of students' is considered a singular collective noun, so it takes the singular verb 'is' rather than 'are.'
2. This construction emphasizes the unity of the group rather than the individuality of its members.
3. In American English, collective nouns are typically treated as singular, while British English may sometimes treat them as plural.
4. When referring to individual members within the group, one might use 'students are' instead of 'a group of students is.'
5. Understanding the use of collective nouns like 'a group of students' helps prevent common subject-verb agreement errors.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'a group of students is' illustrate subject-verb agreement in English grammar?
  • 'A group of students is' illustrates subject-verb agreement by demonstrating how collective nouns function in sentence structure. In this case, 'group' acts as a singular noun representing multiple individuals, leading to the use of the singular verb 'is.' This highlights the importance of recognizing the collective nature of certain nouns and adjusting verb forms accordingly to maintain grammatical correctness.
• Compare and contrast how American and British English treat collective nouns like 'a group of students.'
  • American English generally treats collective nouns as singular entities, leading to constructions like 'a group of students is.' In contrast, British English may allow for both singular and plural usage, resulting in sentences like 'a group of students are.' This difference reflects broader variations in English grammar and underscores the importance of regional preferences in language use.
• Evaluate the impact of incorrect subject-verb agreement with collective nouns on effective communication.
  • Incorrect subject-verb agreement with collective nouns can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in communication. For instance, saying 'a group of students are' misrepresents the intended meaning by suggesting that individual members are being emphasized rather than the collective nature of the group. Clear and accurate use of grammar is essential for conveying ideas effectively, especially in formal writing or speech where precision is crucial.

Related terms

Collective Noun: A noun that represents a collection or group of individuals or things, treated as a single unit, such as 'team,' 'class,' or 'group.'

Subject-Verb Agreement: The grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number with its subject, where singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Plural Form: The grammatical form used to indicate more than one person or thing, often requiring a different verb form than its singular counterpart.