1.一群相似也相關的個體結合而成的集合體的名稱稱為集合名詞.如：family(家庭), class(班級), police(警察), cattle(牛), clothing(衣服), jewelry(珠寶)等.
2.集合名詞指整體時被看作單數名詞；集合名詞指整體的構成分子時被看作復數名詞.
The class has elected its leader.
這個班選出了它的班長.
The class are interested in his lecture.
班上學生對他的講座都很感興趣.
3. a/the/this/that+集合名詞+of,這是將若干相同的個體合在一起的表達方式,也可將集合名詞變成復數.
Don’t believe a word he is saying; it’s all a pack of lies.
他說的話一點也別信,那全是一派胡言.
a pack of cigarettes
一包香煙
a bundle of sticks
一捆棍子
a flock of birds
一群鳥
a pile of newspapers/books
一堆報紙(書)
a gang of robbers
一群強盜
a herd of cows
一群乳牛
4.如果所采取的行動是“一致的”,則是指團體,屬于單數,作主詞時用單數動詞.若是各做各的動作或各有各的主意等類似的情節(jié),則指組成分子,屬于復數,作主詞時用復數動詞.
My family has agreed to take a trip during the holiday.
我們家一致同意假期外出旅游.
My family are not in agreement on where to go.
對于去哪里我們家人持不同意見.