Collective Noun Quiz Questions And Answers

Reviewed by Juliette Firla
Juliette Firla, MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
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Juliette is a middle school English teacher at Sacred Heart of Greenwich, Connecticut. Juliette earned a BA in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Elon University and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Classroom Teacher license from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Juliette possesses strong skills in English language arts, writing, editing, and literature study. She has a deep passion for working with young people and contributing to the education of America's youth in the classroom.
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  • 1/20 Questions

    Our football.......................... needs to buy new uniforms.

    • Team
    • Pack
    • Crew
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About This Quiz


Do you know what a group of owls is called? What about a group of kittens or a group of stars? Put your knowledge of collective nouns to the test with our fun and challenging "Collective Noun Quiz"! This quiz covers the world of collective nouns, those special words we use to describe groups of things.

We'll cover a wide range of categories, from animals and nature to objects and people. This collective Nouns quiz comes with answers, providing explanations and fun facts to help you learn and remember these unique terms. So, are you ready to become a collective noun master? Take our collective noun quiz and discover the amazing variety of words we use to describe the world around us!

Collective Noun Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    A ................................. of thieves marched into the bank last night and stole $1 million.

    • Team

    • Cast

    • Gang

    Correct Answer
    A. Gang
    Explanation
    The term "gang" is a collective noun used to describe a group of people, often involved in criminal activities, who work together for a common illicit goal. In this context, a "gang of thieves" is appropriate because it conveys the idea of a group of individuals collaborating to commit a robbery. "Team" is typically used for sports or cooperative work groups with legitimate purposes, and "cast" refers to a group of actors in a play or movie. Therefore, the correct term for a group of thieves is "gang."

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  • 3. 

    I saw a ..................... of fish near the beach.

    • Colony

    • School

    • Flock

    Correct Answer
    A. School
    Explanation
    The term "school" is a collective noun used specifically to describe a group of fish swimming together. This term is derived from the Dutch word "schole," which means a troop or crowd. Fish often swim in schools for social reasons, protection from predators, and increased foraging efficiency. Using "school" accurately conveys the idea of a coordinated group movement typical of fish. "Colony" refers to groups of animals like ants or penguins living closely together, while "flock" describes groups of birds. Therefore, "school" is the correct term for a group of fish.

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  • 4. 

     Cows, elephants, and gazelles are in groups known as ........................

    • Colonies

    • Flocks

    • Herds

    Correct Answer
    A. Herds
    Explanation
     The term "herd" is a collective noun used to describe groups of certain animals, particularly large mammals such as cows, elephants, and gazelles. These animals often gather in herds for reasons such as protection from predators, social interaction, and better access to resources like food and water. "Colonies" are typically used to describe groups of insects or small animals living closely together, like ants or penguins. "Flocks" refer to groups of birds or sometimes sheep. Therefore, the correct term for groups of cows, elephants, and gazelles is "herds."

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  • 5. 

    If you see a swarm of ........................., please take as many photographs as you can!

    • Dogs

    • Bees

    • Camels

    Correct Answer
    A. Bees
    Explanation
    If you see a swarm of bees, it is important to take as many photographs as you can. This could be because bees are important pollinators, and their populations are declining. By capturing photographs, you can contribute to scientific research and help monitor their populations. Additionally, these photographs can also be used for educational purposes to raise awareness about the importance of these insects in our ecosystems.

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  • 6. 

    Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun agreement with a collective noun?

    • The committee have submitted their report. 

    • The team is proud of its achievements. 

    • The government are considering their options. 

    • The family are packing their bags for the trip.

    Correct Answer
    A. The team is proud of its achievements. 
    Explanation
    "Team" is considered a single unit, so it takes a singular pronoun ("its"). The other options incorrectly use plural pronouns with singular collective nouns: "committee," "government," and "family" are all acting as single entities.

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  • 7. 

    Identify the sentence with an error in collective noun usage.

    • The audience was captivated by the performance. 

    • The herd of cattle are grazing in the field. 

    • The government has announced a new policy. 

    • The family is gathering for a reunion.

    Correct Answer
    A. The herd of cattle are grazing in the field. 
    Explanation
    "Herd" refers to a single group of cattle, so it should take a singular verb ("is"). The other options use collective nouns correctly: "audience" is singular, "government" is singular, and "family" is singular when acting as a unit.

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  • 8. 

    Identify the sentence with an error in collective noun usage.

    • The flock of geese were flying in a V-formation. 

    • The board of directors is meeting to discuss the budget. 

    • The orchestra is playing a beautiful symphony. 

    • The crowd was dispersing after the concert.

    Correct Answer
    A. The flock of geese were flying in a V-formation. 
    Explanation
     "Flock" refers to a single unit of geese, so it should take a singular verb ("was"). The other options use collective nouns correctly: "board," "orchestra," and "crowd" are all acting as singular entities.

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  • 9. 

    ...........................always come in bunches.

    • Elephants

    • Grapes

    • Bananas

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Grapes
    A. Bananas
    Explanation
    The term "bunch" is commonly used to describe a group of grapes or bananas. Grapes grow in clusters or bunches on a vine, and bananas grow in a similar fashion on a banana plant. Both of these fruits are typically harvested and sold in bunches. On the other hand, elephants are large animals that do not come in bunches; they are usually referred to as a herd when grouped together. Therefore, the correct answers are "grapes" and "bananas" as they are the items that always come in bunches.

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  • 10. 

    Which sentence is grammatically correct?

    • The committee are having a meeting tomorrow. 

    • The team is practicing for their upcoming game. 

    • The audience were getting restless waiting for the show to start. 

    • The family is celebrating their anniversary.

    Correct Answer
    A. The team is practicing for their upcoming game. 
    Explanation
    "Team" is considered a single unit in this context, so it takes a singular verb ("is"). The other options incorrectly use plural verbs with singular collective nouns: "committee," "audience," and "family" are all acting as single entities.

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  • 11. 

    Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun agreement with a collective noun?

    • The team are proud of their victory. 

    • The jury has reached its verdict. 

    • The government are debating its new policy. 

    • The family are excited for their trip.

    Correct Answer
    A. The jury has reached its verdict. 
    Explanation
    "Jury" is considered a single unit, so it takes a singular pronoun ("its"). The other options incorrectly use plural pronouns with singular collective nouns: "team," "government," and "family" are all acting as single entities.

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  • 12. 

    The crew of the ........................ decided to have dinner at the little restaurant in the mall.

    • Boat

    • Ship

    • School

    Correct Answer
    A. Ship
    Explanation
    The term "crew" is a collective noun used to refer to a group of people who work together on a ship. The correct phrase is "the crew of the ship." While "crew" can be used for any group of workers on a vessel, it is most commonly associated with ships, especially in maritime contexts. "Boat" is a smaller vessel, but the term "crew of the boat" is less frequently used in comparison to "crew of the ship." "School" refers to a group of fish, not people working together. Hence, the correct answer is "ship."

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  • 13. 

    The ............................. of the play decided to have a party after the first show.

    • Team

    • Cast

    • Staff

    Correct Answer
    A. Cast
    Explanation
     The term "cast" is a collective noun used to refer to the group of actors who perform in a play, movie, or other theatrical production. The cast includes all the performers who bring the characters to life on stage or screen. "Team" is generally used for sports groups or collaborative efforts outside of performing arts, and "staff" refers to employees or workers in an organization, typically not limited to performers. Therefore, the correct term for the group of actors in a play is "cast."

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  • 14. 

    Which sentence uses the underlined collective noun CORRECTLY?

    • The jury is still deliberating on their verdict. 

    • The flock of birds were scattered across the sky. 

    • The committee are divided in its opinions. 

    • The team are celebrating their victory.

    Correct Answer
    A. The jury is still deliberating on their verdict. 
    Explanation
    Collective nouns can be tricky because they can be singular or plural depending on the context. In this case, "jury" is considered a single unit working together, so it takes a singular verb ("is"). The other options are incorrect because they use plural verbs with collective nouns that are acting as a single entity.

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  • 15. 

    Choose the sentence with the correct verb form.

    • The staff is arguing about the new dress code. 

    • The government are making important decisions. 

    • The audience were enjoying the performance. 

    • The class is preparing for their final exams.

    Correct Answer
    A. The class is preparing for their final exams.
    Explanation
    "Class" is considered a single unit in this context, so it takes a singular verb ("is"). The other options incorrectly use plural verbs with singular collective nouns: "staff," "government," and "audience" are all acting as single entities.

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  • 16. 

    Choose the sentence with the correct verb form.

    • The team is playing their best game yet. 

    • The committee are arguing amongst themselves. 

    • The audience were clapping and cheering enthusiastically. 

    • The family is going on vacation together.

    Correct Answer
    A. The family is going on vacation together.
    Explanation
    "Family" is considered a singular unit in this context, so it takes a singular verb ("is"). The other options incorrectly use plural verbs with singular collective nouns: "team," "committee," and "audience" are all acting as single entities.

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  • 17. 

    I think there is a panel of....................... who are going to inform us about the topic.

    • Experts

    • People

    • Teachers

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Experts
    A. Teachers
    Explanation
    The correct answer is experts and teachers because they are both knowledgeable individuals who can provide information and insights on the topic. Experts have specialized knowledge and experience in a specific field, while teachers have expertise in delivering information and educating others. Having a panel of experts and teachers ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded discussion, with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

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  • 18. 

    Which sentence is grammatically correct?

    • The class is excited for their field trip. 

    • The orchestra are tuning their instruments. 

    • The staff is meeting to discuss the new project. 

    • The crowd were cheering loudly for their team.

    Correct Answer
    A. The staff is meeting to discuss the new project. 
    Explanation
    "Staff" is considered a single unit in this context, so it takes a singular verb ("is"). The other options incorrectly use plural verbs with singular collective nouns: "class," "orchestra," and "crowd" are all acting as single entities.

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  • 19. 

    We can see flocks of .......................... in summer. (select all that apply)

    • Birds

    • Ants

    • Sheep

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Birds
    A. Sheep
    Explanation
     The term "flock" is a collective noun commonly used to describe groups of birds and sheep. Birds often form flocks for migration, feeding, and protection against predators, especially during summer months. Similarly, sheep are often seen in flocks, herded together for grazing and protection. The word "flock" is not used to describe groups of ants; instead, "colony" or "swarm" is more appropriate for ants. Thus, "birds" and "sheep" are the correct answers for the use of the collective noun "flock."

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following is NOT a correct term for a group of owls?

    • A parliament 

    • A wisdom 

    • A flock

    • A study

    Correct Answer
    A. A flock
    Explanation
    While "flock" is a common collective noun for birds in general, it's not typically used for owls. Owls tend to be solitary creatures, and their collective nouns reflect this, emphasizing their wisdom and quiet observation ("parliament," "wisdom," "study").

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Juliette Firla |MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
Juliette is a middle school English teacher at Sacred Heart of Greenwich, Connecticut. Juliette earned a BA in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Elon University and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Classroom Teacher license from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Juliette possesses strong skills in English language arts, writing, editing, and literature study. She has a deep passion for working with young people and contributing to the education of America's youth in the classroom.

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