Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
In English grammar, collective nouns represent a group of individuals but can function as either singular or plural depending on whether the group is considered a single unit or individual members acting independently. This often causes confusion in sentence construction, particularly when dealing with verbs. The question presents a scenario where a collective noun – "The Principal, along with the teachers" – is used, and the task is to determine the grammatically correct verb conjugation for a subsequent action, namely applying for leave. Understanding the nuances of collective nouns is crucial for precise and effective communication.
Understanding Collective Nouns
Collective nouns, such as ‘team’, ‘family’, ‘committee’, and in this case, ‘Principal along with the teachers’, refer to a group of individuals. The key to determining whether a collective noun takes a singular or plural verb lies in how the group is functioning in the sentence.
The Rule in this Case
The phrase "along with" introduces an addition to the subject, but it doesn't change the fundamental singularity of the main subject, which is "The Principal". The phrase "along with the teachers" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying the principal. Therefore, the verb should agree with the principal, which is singular.
Corrected Sentence and Explanation
The grammatically correct sentence is: "The Principal, along with the teachers, is planning to apply for a leave."
Here's a breakdown:
- Subject: The Principal (singular)
- Phrase modifying the subject: along with the teachers (prepositional phrase)
- Verb: is (singular form of 'to be')
Common Mistakes and Why They Occur
A common mistake is to use "are" instead of "is," assuming that because "teachers" is plural, the verb must also be plural. This is incorrect because the subject is still "The Principal," and the teachers are merely accompanying the principal in the action. The phrase "along with" doesn't make the subject plural.
Further Examples
- The jury is still deliberating. (Jury as a single unit)
- The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Team members acting individually)
- The family is going on vacation. (Family as a single unit)
Distinction between British and American English
It's worth noting that in British English, it's more common to treat collective nouns as plural when emphasizing the individual members of the group. However, in American English, the tendency is to treat them as singular, even when emphasizing individual members. For the purpose of a standardized test like the UPSC, adhering to standard American English conventions is generally preferred.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct sentence utilizes the singular verb "is" because the primary subject, "The Principal," is singular, and the phrase "along with the teachers" functions as a modifying element rather than altering the subject's number. A firm grasp of subject-verb agreement, particularly with collective nouns, is essential for clear and accurate written communication. This seemingly simple grammatical point highlights the importance of precision in language, a skill vital for effective administration and policy-making.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.