Which agreement rule applies to a singular collective noun functioning as a unit?
A collective noun and its prepositional phrase functions as a noun phrase (a word or group of words based on a noun or pronoun without a verb) that can function as a subject of a sentence or a clause and the object of a verb or a preposition.For example: a herd (collective noun) of buffalo (preposition and object of the preposition)The rule: a singular collective noun (herd) takes a verb for a singular subject (a herd was), and a plural collective noun takes a verb for a plural subject (the herds were).Subject of the sentence: A herd of buffalo slowly moved across the plain.Subject of the clause: The amazing sight, a herd of buffalo grazing, compelled us to stop and watch.Object of the verb: We watched the herd of buffalo from the safety of our car.Object of the preposition: We took photos of the herd of buffalo.