Group words as one unit (team, committee)

A group word like team counts as one single unit. It uses a singular action word like has or is. Only use a plural action word if a word like 'they' points to members one by one.

• The committee has chosen a new leader.

• Our team coordinates the project well.

Words that are always plural (police, people)

The words police and people always mean many individuals. They do not end in -s, but they always take a plural action word like are or were. Never say 'the police is'.

• The police are asking local people to cooperate.

• Good people rely on their teammates.

Words you cannot count (information, advice, news, research, equipment)

Words like information, advice, news, research, and equipment cannot be counted. They never take 'a' or 'an' and never add -s. They always take a singular action word like is or was.

• The news from the other office was good, and the research is almost finished.

• New equipment helps us resolve conflict faster.

Counting phrases (a number of vs. the number of)

The phrase a number of means many, so it takes a plural action word. The phrase the number of talks about the total count, so it takes a singular action word. Look closely at 'a' versus 'the'.

• A number of volunteers have joined, but the number of mentors is still small.

• A number of teammates blame the schedule, but the number of leaders is enough.