Is jury a collective noun?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Gabriel Turner
Studied at the University of Toronto, Lives in Toronto, Canada.
As a language expert with a deep understanding of grammar and linguistic nuances, I'm here to provide you with an insightful answer to your question about whether "jury" is a collective noun. Let's delve into the intricacies of collective nouns and how they function within the English language.
Step 1: Understanding Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are a unique category of nouns that refer to a group or collection of individuals, animals, or objects considered as a single entity. These nouns are interesting because they can be used with both singular and plural verbs, depending on the context. For example, the word "team" can be used to describe a single unit when we say "The team is playing well together," but it can also be used to refer to the individuals within the group when we say "The team are all talented players."
Step 2: Identifying Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are quite diverse and can refer to various groups. Some common examples include:
- Committee: A group of people officially appointed or elected to serve on a committee.
- Jury: A group of people sworn to render a verdict in a trial based on evidence.
- Flock: A group of birds, especially smaller birds like sheep or geese.
- Herd: A group of large mammals, like cattle or elephants.
- Class: A group of students who are taught together.
- Choir: A group of singers who perform together.
- Team: A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.
- Family: A social group of people who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
Step 3: The Case of "Jury"
Now, let's focus on the word "jury." A jury is a group of people who are selected to hear the evidence presented in a court of law and determine the facts of a case. When we refer to a jury as a whole, we often use it as a singular entity, which is why it can be considered a collective noun. For instance, in the sentence "The jury is out," the jury is treated as a single unit.
However, when we consider the individual members of the jury, we might use a plural verb. For example, "The jury are considering the evidence carefully." Here, the focus is on the actions of the individual jurors.
Step 4: Agreement with Pronouns
The use of pronouns with collective nouns can be a bit tricky. As Patrick pointed out, the pronoun "they" does not agree with its antecedent "committee" if the committee is treated as a singular entity. Similarly, if we treat "jury" as a singular entity, then the pronoun "it" would be appropriate, as in "The jury it is a group of twelve citizens." But if we are focusing on the individual jurors, then "they" would be the correct pronoun, as in "The jury, they have a difficult decision to make."
Step 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, "jury" can indeed be considered a collective noun, much like "committee," "flock," "herd," "class," "choir," "team," and "family." The key to using collective nouns correctly is understanding the context in which they are used and whether the focus is on the group as a whole or the individuals within the group. This understanding allows for the appropriate use of both singular and plural verbs and pronouns.
Step 1: Understanding Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are a unique category of nouns that refer to a group or collection of individuals, animals, or objects considered as a single entity. These nouns are interesting because they can be used with both singular and plural verbs, depending on the context. For example, the word "team" can be used to describe a single unit when we say "The team is playing well together," but it can also be used to refer to the individuals within the group when we say "The team are all talented players."
Step 2: Identifying Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are quite diverse and can refer to various groups. Some common examples include:
- Committee: A group of people officially appointed or elected to serve on a committee.
- Jury: A group of people sworn to render a verdict in a trial based on evidence.
- Flock: A group of birds, especially smaller birds like sheep or geese.
- Herd: A group of large mammals, like cattle or elephants.
- Class: A group of students who are taught together.
- Choir: A group of singers who perform together.
- Team: A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.
- Family: A social group of people who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
Step 3: The Case of "Jury"
Now, let's focus on the word "jury." A jury is a group of people who are selected to hear the evidence presented in a court of law and determine the facts of a case. When we refer to a jury as a whole, we often use it as a singular entity, which is why it can be considered a collective noun. For instance, in the sentence "The jury is out," the jury is treated as a single unit.
However, when we consider the individual members of the jury, we might use a plural verb. For example, "The jury are considering the evidence carefully." Here, the focus is on the actions of the individual jurors.
Step 4: Agreement with Pronouns
The use of pronouns with collective nouns can be a bit tricky. As Patrick pointed out, the pronoun "they" does not agree with its antecedent "committee" if the committee is treated as a singular entity. Similarly, if we treat "jury" as a singular entity, then the pronoun "it" would be appropriate, as in "The jury it is a group of twelve citizens." But if we are focusing on the individual jurors, then "they" would be the correct pronoun, as in "The jury, they have a difficult decision to make."
Step 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, "jury" can indeed be considered a collective noun, much like "committee," "flock," "herd," "class," "choir," "team," and "family." The key to using collective nouns correctly is understanding the context in which they are used and whether the focus is on the group as a whole or the individuals within the group. This understanding allows for the appropriate use of both singular and plural verbs and pronouns.
2024-05-13 20:05:04
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Works at the International Renewable Energy Agency, Lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Patrick correctly pointed out that the plural pronoun they does not agree with its antecedent, the singular noun committee. Committee is a collective noun, just like jury, flock, herd, class, choir, team, family, and other words that refer to a single unit consisting of more than one person or thing.
2023-06-15 05:42:23
Ethan Campbell
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Patrick correctly pointed out that the plural pronoun they does not agree with its antecedent, the singular noun committee. Committee is a collective noun, just like jury, flock, herd, class, choir, team, family, and other words that refer to a single unit consisting of more than one person or thing.
