Question

: Pick out the collective noun(s) from the following sentence:

The troop of singers were ready for the programme.

a)Troupe, programme
b)Singers
c)Programme
d)troupe

Answer 1

Hint: A collective noun is a single word used for a group of people or things. For e.g. ‘a dozen’ refers to something which is twelve in number.


Complete step-by-step answer:


Option ‘a’ has two words, ‘troupe’ and ‘programme’. The word troupe refers to a group of singers, dancers or other entertainers who tour to different venues. This is a collective noun for a group of entertainers. Now let us check the other one that is ‘programme’. The word ‘programme’ is a single noun. It refers to one single programme which is an event or activity that holds the interest of an audience. Option ‘a’ does contain a collective noun but the other word “programme” is not a collective noun. Thus, option ‘a’ is incorrect.

As mentioned above, “programme” is not a collective noun. Therefore, option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option b “singers” is the plural for the singular noun “singer”. It is not a collective noun. Therefore, option ‘b’ is incorrect too.

As explained in the explanation for option a, troupe is a collective noun for a group of entertainers. Therefore, option‘d’ “troupe” is the correct answer.



Note: Do not get confused between plural nouns and collective nouns. Collective noun is a specific single word for a specific group, while plural noun forms are used for a group of people but they are not specific words. For e.g. We can say ‘a dozen fruits’ or ‘fruits’; a herd of sheep or sheep. The latter are plural noun forms and not collective nouns.