Question

Is the word "people" a collective noun?

Answer 1

Hint: A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people or items as a whole. The singular form of a collective noun is used, however, depending on the context, it might be singular or plural. A colony of bees, an army of ants, or a flock of sheep are all examples.

Complete answer:
A collective noun is a term or phrase that describes a collection of people or objects as if they were a single entity. Subject-verb conflict is a typical mistake when employing collective nouns: authors are often unsure whether to regard a collective noun as singular or plural. There are certain exceptions to the rule that collective nouns be regarded as singular. For example, the choir was performing in front of a sold-out hall for the third time.

People are not a collective noun in the same way that team or staff are. It's a noun in a plural form. The subject, on the other hand, is single and requires a singular verb. It's a collective noun if you say "a group of people."

Thus, people is not a collective noun.

Note:
- There are occasions when we employ collective nouns that would ordinarily need a singular verb, but a plural verb suits better because of the context. This occurs when members of a group cease to behave as a unit and instead act as individuals.
- For instance, today the committee will determine whether or not John's proposal will be accepted. Here, the collective word "committee" refers to a collection of people who have a single goal today: to decide whether or not John's idea will be accepted.