Subject-verb agreement with collective nouns

Does a singular collective noun take a singular or plural verb? Well, it depends. If the collective noun refers to the group as a unit, then it takes a singular verb. If it refers to the individuals in the group or the parts that make up the group, then the verb should be plural. In the following sentences, decide whether the collective noun requires the singular or plural verb.

1. This organization on a barbecue every summer.

puts

put

2. The flute ensemble tuning instruments.

is; its

are; their

3. The flute ensemble playing at the Kiwanis Music Festival.

is

are

4. Martin's family to vacation in Haida Gwaii this summer.

plans

plan

5. A huge swarm of locusts destroyed the crops.

has

have

6. The pack of dogs running off in different directions.

was

were

7. Every fall, the English class book reports on summer reading.

writes; its

write; their