family(家庭)，team(隊，隊員)，class(班，班上的全體學生)，crowd(人群)，government(政府)，crew(乘務員)，committee(委員會)，audience(聽眾)，public(公眾)等集合名詞，當它們表示整體意義時，表單數意義，當它們強調個體意義時，表示復數意義：

Her family is a large one. 她的家庭是一個大家庭。

Her family are all tall. 她的一家人都很高。

The team is the best in the league. 這個隊在聯賽中打得最好。

The football team are having baths. 足球隊隊員們在洗澡。

It was late, but the audience was increasing. 時間很遲了，但聽眾人數卻在增加。

The audience were all moved to tears. 聽眾都感動得流了淚。

【注】有時沒有特定的語境，用單復數謂語均可以：

The audience was (were) very excited by the show. 觀眾對演出甚感激動。

The public has (have) a right to know what's in the report. 公眾有權知道這篇報告的內容。