When a collective noun representing a group is used, the verb is usually singular. Which sentence demonstrates this?

• A. The team are winning.
• B. The team is winning.
• C. The teams is winning.
• D. The teams are winning.

Answer: (B)

A collective noun referring to a group is treated as a single unit, so the accompanying verb is usually singular. In the sentence The team is winning, the group is viewed as one unit—its overall progress—so the singular verb is the natural choice. This contrasts with The team are winning, which treats the players as individuals within the group, or with The teams is winning, which mismatches a plural subject with a singular verb. The form The teams are winning would be appropriate if you’re talking about multiple teams.