We often use singular nouns that refer to groups of people (for example: team, government, committee) as if they were plural. This is because we often think of the group as people, doing things that people do (eating, wanting, feeling etc). In such cases, we use a plural verb. (We also then need to make sure that other words agree - they instead of it, who instead of which.)
Here are some examples:
Here are some examples of words and expressions that can be considered singular or plural:
But when we consider the group as an impersonal unit, we use singular verbs (and singular pronouns):
Notice that this is often a question of style and logic. The important thing is to be consistent.
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