Collective Nouns
Words used for a group of people, place, animal or thing are called collective nouns.
Groups of people – committee, government, family, gang
Groups of animals – a herd of cows, a flock of sheep, a swarm of bees
Groups of things – a bunch of keys, a collection of books, a fleet of ships
Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on they are used. When seen as a single element, they are used as singular noun, however, when seen as individual members making up a group, it is used as plural noun.
e.g. The police has captured the gang of robbers. (Police used as singular collective noun)
The police are spread all over the city. (Police used as plural collective noun)
