As a copy editor, one of the most important considerations in writing is making sure that subject-verb agreement is maintained. But sometimes, it gets tricky when dealing with collective nouns. A collective noun refers to a group of individuals or objects, but it is treated as singular in grammar. This means that the verb that follows the collective noun should be singular as well.
To help you practice this rule, we’ve prepared a collective noun subject-verb agreement quiz. Try answering the following questions to test your knowledge:
1. The ________ of geese is migrating south for the winter.
a. flock
b. flocks
c. flocking
Answer: a. flock
2. The ________ of fish is swimming in the river.
a. school
b. schools
c. schooling
Answer: a. school
3. The ________ of bees is making honey in the hive.
a. swarm
b. swarms
c. swarming
Answer: a. swarm
4. The ________ of books is taking up too much space in my room.
a. collection
b. collections
c. collecting
Answer: a. collection
5. The ________ of singers is performing on stage tonight.
a. choir
b. choirs
c. choral
Answer: a. choir
6. The ________ of trees is providing shade in the park.
a. grove
b. groves
c. grooving
Answer: a. grove
7. The ________ of flowers is blooming in the garden.
a. bouquet
b. bouquets
c. bouquetting
Answer: a. bouquet
8. The ________ of musicians is rehearsing for the concert.
a. orchestra
b. orchestras
c. orchestration
Answer: a. orchestra
9. The ________ of soldiers is marching towards the battlefield.
a. battalion
b. battalions
c. battal
Answer: a. battalion
10. The ________ of cars is blocking the street.
a. fleet
b. fleets
c. fleeting
Answer: a. fleet
Maintaining subject-verb agreement can be a challenge, especially when it comes to collective nouns. But by remembering that collective nouns are treated as singular in grammar, you can easily identify the appropriate verb to use. Remember to keep practicing and testing your knowledge with quizzes like this one to help you improve your writing skills and become a better copy editor.
