1.一群相似也相关的个体结合而成的集合体的名称称为集合名词.如：family(家庭), class(班级), police(警察), cattle(牛), clothing(衣服), jewelry(珠宝)等.
2.集合名词指整体时被看作单数名词；集合名词指整体的构成分子时被看作复数名词.
The class has elected its leader.
这个班选出了它的班长.
The class are interested in his lecture.
班上学生对他的讲座都很感兴趣.
3. a/the/this/that+集合名词+of,这是将若干相同的个体合在一起的表达方式,也可将集合名词变成复数.
Don’t believe a word he is saying; it’s all a pack of lies.
他说的话一点也别信,那全是一派胡言.
a pack of cigarettes
一包香烟
a bundle of sticks
一捆棍子
a flock of birds
一群鸟
a pile of newspapers/books
一堆报纸(书)
a gang of robbers
一群强盗
a herd of cows
一群乳牛
4.如果所采取的行动是“一致的”,则是指团体,属于单数,作主词时用单数动词.若是各做各的动作或各有各的主意等类似的情节,则指组成分子,属于复数,作主词时用复数动词.
My family has agreed to take a trip during the holiday.
我们家一致同意假期外出旅游.
My family are not in agreement on where to go.
对于去哪里我们家人持不同意见.