- Words denoting groups
With groups of people, you can use either singular or plural verbs. If you wish to imply unanimity or unity, use a singular verb; if you want to talk about varied opinions or only one part of the group, use the plural.
The University’s Governing Council is considering the matter. The Committee were divided over tuition fees. - Geographical areas and organizations
Countries, regions and organizations take a singular verb even when they have a plural name.The Balearic Islands is a self-governing region of Spain. The United Nations is charged with the maintenance of international peace.
However, if there is some reason to stress the individual parts, use a plural verb.The Balearic Islands are made up of four main islands. - Percentages
In a similar way to words denoting groups, treat percentages as plural or singular depending on whether the emphasis is on a collection of parts acting individually or a quantity.This year 27% of students have left home. Twenty-seven per cent of students is not many.
Recommended citation:
«Collective nouns and the number of the verb» [en línia]. A: Llibre d’estil de la Universitat de Barcelona. Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona. Serveis Lingüístics. <https://www.ub.edu/llibre-estil/criteri.php?id=2423> [consulta: 23 novembre 2024].