• 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

    1. My shoes are _____ _____. I need new ones.

    2. Don't _____ _____ these papers. They're important.

    3. They will _____ that building _____ and build a new one.

    4. To "pace" means to walk _____ _____ _____.

    5. I _____ _____ Fred yesterday. I hadn't seen him in a while.

    6. The test wasn't difficult _____ _____. It was easy.

    7. The criminals did not _____ _____. The police caught them.

    8. _____ the car _____ and go back.

    9. We _____ the situation _____ and came to a decision.

    10. Try your best and never _____ _____.