Nouns for groups that can take singular or plural verbs
Collective noun + singular verb (unit) OR plural verb (individuals)
The team isn't/aren't ready.
Is/Are the committee meeting today?
💡 British English often uses plural verbs; American English prefers singular. Be consistent within a sentence.
✓The jury has reached its verdict. (unit)
✗The jury has reached their verdict.
If using singular verb, use singular pronoun (its, not their).
✓The staff are taking their holidays. (individuals)
✗The staff are taking its holidays.
If using plural verb, use plural pronoun (their).
✓The audience was silent. / The audience were clapping.
✗The audience was clapping their hands.
Be consistent: singular verb + singular pronoun OR plural verb + plural pronoun.