TypoGrammar

A Group of People Is or Are? Which One Is Correct

Quick Answer

Both can be correct!

Use "is" when treating the group as a single unit.
Use "are" when focusing on the individuals within the group.

Explanation

"Group" is a collective noun-a word that refers to multiple people or things as a single unit. Other examples include: team, family, committee, audience, company, staff.

Use "is" (singular)

When the group acts as one unit

"A group of tourists is arriving at 3 PM."

(The group arrives together as one)

Use "are" (plural)

When emphasizing individuals

"A group of people are waiting for different buses."

(They're acting individually)

Regional note: American English prefers "is" for collective nouns. British English often uses "are".

Examples

Group as one unit (singular verb)

✔A group of students is visiting the museum today.
✔The group has decided to postpone the meeting.
✔A group of protesters was blocking the entrance.

Individuals in the group (plural verb)

✔A group of employees are working on different projects.
✔The group have gone their separate ways.
✔A group of scientists are disagreeing about the results.

Other Collective Nouns

The same rule applies to other collective nouns:

  • • The team is/are
  • • The family is/are
  • • The committee is/are
  • • The audience is/are
  • • The company is/are
  • • The staff is/are
  • • The class is/are
  • • The government is/are

Important: Be Consistent!

Once you choose singular or plural, stay consistent within the same sentence or paragraph:

Inconsistent: The group is meeting later, and they are bringing food.

Consistent: The group is meeting later, and it is bringing food.
OR: The group are meeting later, and they are bringing food.

Practice

Which is correct?

"A group of volunteers _____ (is/are) organizing the event together as a unified effort."

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