“Team Is” vs. “Team Are” – Selecting the Right Verb Agreement
The debate between “team is” and “team are” hinges on the concept of collective nouns and how they are treated in different dialects of English.
Understanding when to use each form can be crucial for proper grammar and clarity in communication.
Quick Summary
“Team is” and “team are” can both be correct depending on whether you consider the team as a single unit or a group of individuals. American English tends to use “team is” (singular), while British English often opts for “team are” (plural), reflecting the members’ collective actions.
“Team Is” vs. “Team Are” – Which is Correct?
The decision between “team is” and “team are” depends on the form of English being used and the intended emphasis:
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Team Is | In American English or when referring to the team as a single entity | The team is working on the project. |
| Team Are | In British English or when emphasizing the individuals within the team | The team are bringing their own ideas to the table. |
How to Use “Team Is”
“Team is” treats the team as a singular entity, focusing on the group as a whole. It is the standard form in American English. Here’s how to use it:
- Emphasizing unity:
“The team is winning thanks to its strong defense.”
How to Use “Team Are”
“Team are” treats the team as a collection of individuals and is commonly used in British English. It is used when the actions or characteristics of the individual members are being highlighted. Here are examples:
- Highlighting individual contributions:
“The team are all contributing their expert knowledge to solve the problem.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct form to complete the sentences:
- The team _ (is/are) planning a retreat for next weekend.
- The team _ (is/are) divided on the best course of action.
- The team _ (is/are) responsible for this great achievement.
- The team _ (is/are) all wearing their new uniforms today.
- The team _ (is/are) meeting to discuss the project’s progress.
Answer Key:
- is (American English) / are (British English)
- are
- is
- are
- is (American English) / are (British English)
Conclusion
Whether to use “team is” or “team are” depends on the context and the dialect of English being used.
In American English, “team is” is typically used to describe the team as a single unit, while “team are” may be preferred in British English to emphasize the individuals within the team.
