Team Who, or Team That: Unravelling the Grammar

When you’re writing, speaking, or even commenting on a sports team’s performance or making a business proposal, you might find yourself stuck on one question: Should I say “Team which,” “Team who,” or “Team that?” Grammar involving collective nouns like “team” can be tricky, especially since their usage differs based on context, region, and even the kind of message you’re trying to convey.

In this post, we’ll dive into the grammatical conundrum of how to treat the word “team” in American English, and explore its singular and plural usage, especially when deciding between “who,” “which,” or “that.”

Let’s break down the rules, examine regional differences, and guide you toward making the best choices in your writing.

Understanding Collective Nouns in American English

Before we can dive into the complexities of “team,” let’s first look at what collective nouns are. These are nouns that refer to a group of individuals or things considered as a single unit, like “team,” “group,” or “family.”

Characteristics of Collective Nouns:

• Singular in form, plural in meaning: While these nouns are grammatically singular, they describe multiple people or things, which can cause confusion.
• Verb agreement: The verb used with collective nouns can sometimes take a singular or plural form, depending on whether the focus is on the group as a whole or the individuals within it.

For example:

• “The team is winning.” (Here, the team is seen as one entity.)
• “The team are celebrating their individual successes.” (Here, the team is viewed as several individuals acting separately.)

When it comes to collective nouns like team, it’s essential to keep these nuances in mind while writing or speaking.

Exploring Grammatical Variations in English

Not all English speakers treat collective nouns the same way. There are notable differences in how American and British English approach these types of words, especially when it comes to using singular and plural verbs.

In American English, collective nouns are typically treated as singular, but this isn’t always the case in British English. Understanding these differences will help you communicate more effectively depending on your target audience.

• American English: Collective nouns, including “team,” usually take a singular verb because the focus is on the group as a unit.
  • Example: The team is ready for the match.
• British English: Often treats collective nouns as plural, as the emphasis can be on the individuals within the group.
  • Example: The team are wearing their new uniforms.

While these distinctions may seem subtle, knowing when to use singular vs. plural can have a significant impact on the clarity of your writing or speech.

From the US to the UK: How Collective Nouns Can Vary

As mentioned earlier, the usage of collective nouns—especially when referring to teams—varies across regions. Let’s look at how American and British English differ, particularly when it comes to phrases like “team who”, “team which”, and “team that.”

Key Differences:

Region	Verb Form	Example
American English	Singular	“The team is playing well.”
British English	Plural (sometimes singular)	“The team are playing well.”

Why the difference?

• American English tends to treat collective nouns as singular to emphasize unity or cohesion.
• British English, on the other hand, allows for flexibility, focusing on the individuals within the collective.

The Singular vs. Plural Verb Debate in Different English-Speaking Regions

This leads us to one of the most common debates among writers and speakers: should “team” take a singular or plural verb? This argument typically arises when you’re unsure whether to treat the group as a whole or focus on the actions of individuals within that group.

Let’s explore this debate further:

• Singular Verb: When you refer to a team as a unit, you generally use a singular verb.
  • Example: The team is preparing for the final match.
• Plural Verb: When the focus shifts to the individual members within the team, a plural verb may be appropriate.
  • Example: The team are working on their individual skills.

In most cases, particularly in business or sports writing, the singular form is used. However, understanding the tone and context will help determine the correct choice.

Contextual Clues: When to Use Singular and Plural Verbs

The difference between singular and plural verb usage can sometimes be subtle, and context often plays a key role in deciding which form is correct. Let’s look at a few tips to help you make the right decision:

Focus on Unity (Use Singular Verb):

• Team as a single entity: If the team is seen as one whole, use a singular verb.
  • Example: The team is moving forward with its new strategy.
• Example from Business: When referring to a corporate team or a workgroup as a single unit, it’s common to use a singular verb.
  • Example: The team has achieved remarkable results this quarter.

Focus on Individuals (Use Plural Verb):

• Team members as individuals: If the emphasis is on the people within the team, a plural verb may be more appropriate.
  • Example: The team are debating their next move.

The Singular or Plural Dilemma: Teams in Sports and Business

The choice between singular and plural can be especially tricky when it comes to sports and business teams. The way we treat team depends on whether we’re emphasizing unity (sports teams, especially) or individual action (business teams).

In Sports:

• Singular Verb: Sports teams are typically treated as singular entities when talking about their collective success.
  • Example: The team is winning their third consecutive championship.
• Plural Verb: However, when discussing how individual players contribute, you may use a plural verb.
  • Example: The team are celebrating their individual victories after the match.

In Business:

• Singular Verb: A business team is generally seen as a unified entity, so singular verbs are used.
  • Example: The team is working on a new marketing campaign.
• Plural Verb: However, if you’re highlighting the actions of team members as individuals, a plural form may be used.
  • Example: The team are working on different projects for the client.

Rules of Thumb for ‘Team’ in Business and Sports Communication

While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for using “team,” there are some helpful guidelines for clarity and consistency, especially in business and sports writing:

• Use a singular verb when focusing on the team’s collective success or action.
  • Example: The team is making great progress with the project.
• Use a plural verb when the focus shifts to the team members individually.
  • Example: The team are working on their separate tasks today.
• Be mindful of your audience: If you’re writing for an international audience, understanding the regional preferences can make your message clearer.
  • American audience: Stick with the singular form.
  • British audience: Consider the plural form if it fits the context.

Aligning Verbs with Teams as Collective Entities

Sometimes, the rules about singular and plural verbs may feel like a gray area. The key is to determine whether you’re emphasizing the unity or individuality within the group. Here are a few more tips:

• Focus on the outcome or action: If the result is what matters, use a singular verb.
  • Example: The team is making great strides in this competition.
• Focus on the people: If the individual contributions matter, use a plural verb.
  • Example: The team are giving their personal best.

In both business and sports contexts, clarity is the most important factor. The choice between singular and plural verbs should reflect your intended message.

Exceptions to the Rule: Indicating Disunity or Individual Action

While we’ve discussed the general rules of thumb, there are exceptions that provide flexibility. For instance:

• Disunity or disagreement: When the team isn’t acting in unison, you might opt for a plural verb to emphasize disagreement or conflict within the group.
  • Example: The team are having a heated debate over their strategy.
• Individual action: When discussing actions that are separate or independent, a plural verb can be used even if the group as a whole is involved.
  • Example: The team are taking their own initiatives to improve their performance.

These exceptions allow for more precise communication, reflecting the nuances of team dynamics.

Extensible vs Extendible – What’s the Difference?

Best Practices for Using ‘Team’ in Your Organisation

Clear communication is essential when discussing teams in business settings. Whether in emails, reports, or presentations, how you refer to a “team” can impact your message’s effectiveness. Here are some best practices:

• Use the singular form to maintain unity in internal communications.
  • Example: The team is working towards a unified vision.
• Use the plural form to emphasise individual contributions in team meetings or brainstorming sessions.
  • Example: The team are contributing unique ideas to the project.
• Be consistent: Maintain consistency across all communications within your organisation to avoid confusion.
  • Example: If your company uses “team is” in reports, stick to that structure throughout all materials.

FAQs

Q: Can I ever use a plural verb with “team” in American English?

Yes, while it’s uncommon, you can use a plural verb when discussing the individual actions of team members. For instance: The team are handling their individual tasks.

Q: What’s the best way to refer to a team in a formal report?

Use the singular form when referring to the team as a collective unit. Example: The team is committed to achieving its objectives.

Q: Is there a universal rule for collective nouns across English-speaking regions?

No, the usage of collective nouns can vary significantly between American and British English, and context also plays a major role.

Conclusion

The grammar surrounding collective nouns like “team” can be a bit tricky, but with the right knowledge, it’s easier to navigate. Whether you’re writing about a sports team or a business team, knowing when to use singular or plural verbs can help ensure your message is clear, effective, and grammatically correct.

Remember, always consider the context and the audience you’re addressing. The use of “who,” “which,” or “that” may also change depending on whether you’re focusing on the group as a whole or individual team members.With these rules and tips in mind, you’ll have no trouble navigating the team grammar conundrum in your writing!