1. Singular Collective Nouns:
When a collective noun is singular, it is treated as a singular entity, and a singular verb is used.
- Example: The team is playing well this season.
2. Plural Collective Nouns:
When a collective noun is plural, it is treated as a multiple entity, and a plural verb is used.
- Example: The audience were cheering enthusiastically during the concert.
3. Special Cases:
a) Nouns of Multitude: Nouns such as "crowd," "flock," "swarm," "herd," etc. are usually treated as singular and take a singular verb.
- Example: The crowd is gathering at the town square.
b) Nouns with "Some," "Any," "Every," etc.: Collective nouns preceded by words like "some," "any," "every," etc. often take a plural verb.
- Example: Some of the audience were disappointed with the performance.
Remember that the proper use of verbs with collective nouns depends on the specific context and intended meaning of the sentence.