##  [Subject-verb agreement: Collective nouns](/en/quiz/jeu-quiz-sva-collective-nouns-eng)

Does a singular collective noun take a singular or plural verb? Well, it depends. If the collective noun refers to the group as a unit, then it takes a singular verb. If it refers to the individuals in the group or the parts that make up the group, then the verb should be plural. In the following sentences, decide whether the collective noun requires the singular or plural verb.

1. This organization ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) on a barbecue every summer.puts

put

2. The flute ensemble ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) tuning ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) instruments.is; its

are; their

3. The flute ensemble ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) playing at the Kiwanis Music Festival.is

are

4. Martin's family ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) to vacation in Haida Gwaii this summer.plans

plan

5. A huge swarm of locusts ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) destroyed the crops.has

have

6. The pack of dogs ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) running off in different directions.was

were

7. Every fall, the English class ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) book reports on ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) summer reading.writes; its

write; their