Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are singular in form but indicate a collection or group of things or people.
Band
Committee
Family
Group
Team
Collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs, depending on the meaning or context. When using a collective noun as one unit, use a singular verb.
When indicating that the members of a group are acting individually, use a plural verb.
Sometimes the plural form with a collective noun can sound awkward, even if it is correct. You can always rephrase the sentence.
TOEFL™ Words
Choose the correct vocabulary word that best fits the intended meaning of each sentence. Verbs may be in any tense.
settle / confirm / critical / rigid / complex / chiefly / block / challenge / forbid / relinquish
His _________ opinions made him very unpopular.
A typical Japanese dish will consist _________ of fish and vegetables.
Please call to _________ your reservation 24 hours in advance.
A federal law _________ motorists from driving faster than 65 miles per hour.
Your brother is much too _________ of your political views.
The attorneys agreed to _________ the case out of court.
The reporters were _________ by police from entering the building.
He _________ his claim to the property so that it could be sold.
The _________ of learning is to study frequently.
The physics theories in that lecture were very _________. I'll have to study for weeks for the test!
TOEFL™ Idioms
Choose the correct idiom for each sentence. Answers may be in any verb tense.
tear...down / turn...around / back and forth / give in / get away / throw...away / run into / wear out / at all / talk...over
My shoes are _____ _____. I need new ones.
Don't _____ _____ these papers. They're important.
They will _____ that building _____ and build a new one.
To "pace" means to walk _____ _____ _____.
I _____ _____ Fred yesterday. I hadn't seen him in a while.
The test wasn't difficult _____ _____. It was easy.
The criminals did not _____ _____. The police caught them.
_____ the car _____ and go back.
We _____ the situation _____ and came to a decision.
Try your best and never _____ _____.
