Collective Noun Quiz Questions And Answers

Reviewed by Juliette Firla
Juliette Firla, MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
Review Board Member
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.
, MA (Teaching Writing)
By Helenachristine
H
Helenachristine
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 3 | Total Attempts: 54,314
| Attempts: 53,886 | Questions: 20
Please wait...
Question 1 / 20
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. Our football.......................... needs to buy new uniforms.

Explanation

 The term "team" is a collective noun used to describe a group of individuals who come together to achieve a common goal, especially in sports contexts such as football. Each member of the team works collaboratively, contributing their skills and efforts towards winning games and competitions. "Pack" is a term more commonly associated with groups of animals like wolves, and "crew" typically refers to a group working on a ship or in other specific contexts, like a film crew. Therefore, the appropriate term for a group of football players is "team."

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Collective Noun Quiz Questions And Answers - 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... see morewe 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!
see less

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

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."

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

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.

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

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."

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

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.

Submit
6. Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun agreement with a collective noun?

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.

Submit
7. Identify the sentence with an error in collective noun usage.

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.

Submit
8. Identify the sentence with an error in collective noun usage.

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.

Submit
9. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

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.

Submit
10. ...........................always come in bunches.

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.

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

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."

Submit
12. Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun agreement with a collective noun?

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.

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

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."
Submit
14. Which sentence uses the underlined collective noun CORRECTLY?

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.

Submit
15. Choose the sentence with the correct verb form.

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.

Submit
16. Choose the sentence with the correct verb form.

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.

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

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.

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

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."

Submit
19. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

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.

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

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").

Submit
View My Results
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.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jul 9, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jul 09, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Juliette Firla
  • May 04, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Helenachristine
Cancel
  • All
    All (20)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
Our football.......................... needs to buy new uniforms.
A ................................. of thieves marched into the bank...
I saw a ..................... of fish near the beach.
 Cows, elephants, and gazelles are in groups known as...
If you see a swarm of ........................., please take as many...
Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun agreement with a...
Identify the sentence with an error in collective noun usage.
Identify the sentence with an error in collective noun usage.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
...........................always come in bunches.
The crew of the ........................ decided to have dinner at the...
Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun agreement with a...
The ............................. of the play decided to have a party...
Which sentence uses the underlined collective noun CORRECTLY?
Choose the sentence with the correct verb form.
Choose the sentence with the correct verb form.
I think there is a panel of....................... who are going to...
We can see flocks of .......................... in summer. (select all...
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Which of the following is NOT a correct term for a group of owls?
Alert!

Advertisement