Collective Pronouns
Referring to groups or individuals
The Group vs. the Individual
| THE GROUP | THE INDIVIDUALS |
|---|---|
Use a singular pronoun for a group when focusing more on the group. |
Use a plural pronoun for a group when focusing more on the individuals than the group. |
The paparazzi made its purpose clear. It had a right to be outside her house. |
The paparazzi placed their cameras right in her face. They were rude, even mean. |
The team took its equipment and went home. It was an unstoppable team, and it won the championship last year. |
The team took their jackets and went home. They wanted to win, so they played their best game. |
The Boy Scouts is changing its rules this year. It will send out notification to each scout. |
The Boy Scouts are hard-working young men. They are helpful in their communities. |
My family is small. It consists of four people. |
My family is very close. They love and support me. |
The class has been moved. It will be in room 44 from now on. |
The class likes to work together. They meet after class in the library. |
The crowd is large today. It has filled up the stadium. |
The crowd enjoyed the game. They shouted and cheered wildly. |
paparazzi (n.) – a photographer or a group who takes candid pictures of celebrities for publication
Practice
The group or the people?
- Select the pronoun that best completes the sentence. (In some cases, both pronouns may be used.)
- * indicates an incorrect answer.