Is committee a collective noun? Is committee a common noun? Is committee a concrete noun? Which type of noun is committee?
Welcome, students! When we talk about a group of people appointed for a specific function, we use the word 'committee'. The word committee is a collective noun because it names a group of members as a single unit. It is also a common noun as it refers to a general type of group. Let's explore these ideas.
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Committee is a Collective Noun. Committee is not a Proper Noun. Committee is a common noun as well as concrete noun.
The word 'committee' is a collective noun because it names a group of individual members as a single entity. Collective nouns represent a whole made of parts.
- In the sentence, "The committee has made its decision," the word 'committee' stands for a whole group of people working together.
- 'Committee' is also a common noun because it's a general term. If we name a specific committee, like the "Public Accounts Committee," that becomes a proper noun.
Functions of 'Committee' in a Sentence
As a collective noun, 'committee' can serve various functions in a sentence:
- As a Subject: The committee meets once a month.
- As a Direct Object: The school formed a new committee.
- As an Object of a preposition: The report was submitted to the committee.
- As a Subject Complement: The most important body in this organization is the executive committee.
Different Uses of the Collective Noun 'Committee'
The word 'committee' is a specific collective noun used almost exclusively for a group of people who are chosen to do a particular job, or to make decisions about something.
- For People: Committee is used for a group of members.
Examples: A committee of members, a selection committee, a steering committee. - For Animals: Committee may be used for a group of vultures (when resting).
Examples: A committee of vultures.
'Committee' (Common Noun) vs. Specific Committees (Proper Nouns)
It is important to understand the difference between the common noun 'committee' and the proper nouns that are the names of specific committees.
| Common Noun | Proper Noun (Specific Name) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| committee | The Nobel Committee | The Nobel Committee is a famous committee that selects prize winners. |
| committee | International Olympic Committee | The committee responsible for the Olympic Games is the International Olympic Committee. |
| committee | The Sarkaria Commission | The Sarkaria Commission was a committee set up by the Indian government. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is committee a collective noun?
Yes, committee is a collective noun because it refers to a group of people (members) working as a single body.
Is committee a common noun?
Yes, 'committee' is also a common noun because it's a general term for any such group, not a specific named one.
Is committee a concrete noun?
Yes, 'committee' is a concrete noun. Although it represents a group, a committee is made of physical people who can be seen.
Is committee a proper noun?
No, the word 'committee' itself is not a proper noun. However, the official names of specific committees (e.g., "The Securities and Exchange Board of India," "The Finance Committee") are proper nouns.
Is committee a countable noun?
Yes, 'committee' is a countable noun. You can have one committee or several committees (e.g., "The organization has five different committees.").
Practice Exercises on Collective Nouns
Worksheet on Collective Nouns: Identify the Noun Type
Identify the nouns as Collective, Common, or Proper.
- The committee submitted its report.
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India is a powerful body.
- The family is going on a holiday.
- A panel of judges will decide the winner.
- The school has a dedicated staff.
- The audience enjoyed the show.
- A team of scientists made the discovery.
- The crew prepared the ship for departure.
- A mob gathered outside the building.
- The jury consists of twelve people.
Worksheet on Collective Nouns: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blank with an appropriate collective noun.
- The _______ of directors made a key decision.
- A _______ of musicians played at the wedding.
- The _______ of students was praised by the principal.
- A _______ of cattle was grazing peacefully.
- The _______ of sailors prepared for the storm.
- He saw a _______ of stars in the clear night sky.
- The _______ of judges listened carefully to the evidence.
- A _______ of wolves was spotted in the forest.
- The _______ applauded at the end of the play.
- She received a _______ of flowers.
Quizzes on Collective Nouns
Quiz 1: True or False on Collective Nouns
Read the statements and decide if they are True or False.
- 'Committee' is a proper noun.
- 'The Nobel Committee' is a proper noun.
- A collective noun always refers to a group of animals.
- In "The committee agrees," 'committee' is a collective noun.
- 'Member' is a collective noun.
Quiz 2: Multiple Choice Question on Collective Nouns
Choose the correct option for each question.
- Which of the following is a collective noun?
(a) member (b) board (c) person - In "He joined the committee," 'committee' is the:
(a) Subject (b) Verb (c) Direct Object - Which of these is a proper noun?
(a) organization (b) United Nations (c) group - A 'jury' is a group of:
(a) experts (b) people in court (c) singers - A 'staff' refers to a group of:
(a) employees (b) directors (c) customers
Discover More Collective Nouns
Curious about other fascinating names for groups? Dive into our collection!