Is it correct to say the public are?

Navigating the Linguistic Labyrinth of Collective Nouns: The Case of ‘Public’

In the realm of language, collective nouns like “public,” “team,” and “family” pose a grammatical enigma. Do they call for singular or plural verbs? The answer lies in the delicate balance between the group’s unity and its constituent members.

The Singular Perspective: A Collective Whole

When we perceive a collective noun as a cohesive, unified entity, its verb takes a singular form. In this collective sense, we emphasize the group’s shared identity and purpose. For instance:

• “The public is outraged by the recent political scandals.”

Here, “public” represents a homogeneous body of individuals who collectively express their anger. The singular verb “is” reflects the unity of their voice.

The Plural Perspective: Individual Voices

However, when we shift our focus to the individual members of the group, the verb transitions to the plural form. This signifies that we are considering each member’s separate opinion or action. Consider:

• “The public are divided on the issue of healthcare reform.”

In this context, “public” denotes the diverse perspectives held by individual members of society. The plural verb “are” captures this multiplicity of viewpoints.

Contextual Clues: Guiding the Grammatical Choice

Determining the appropriate verb for a collective noun requires careful attention to the context. By scrutinizing the sentence, we can discern the intended meaning and make an informed grammatical decision.

Respecting the Group’s Identity

It is crucial to note that the choice of singular or plural verb should respect the identity of the collective noun. For instance, the noun “committee” typically refers to a unified decision-making body, warranting a singular verb. However, it can also denote a group of individuals acting independently, necessitating a plural verb.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of collective nouns requires a nuanced understanding of their inherent duality. Whether a singular or plural verb is employed depends on the intended emphasis—whether the group is viewed as a cohesive entity or its individual constituents. By carefully considering the context and the meaning we wish to convey, we can ensure the grammatical correctness and clarity of our language.