Question

which of these are correct for plural agreementThe shoal was moving north. The shoal were darting in all directions.

Accepted Answer

bothA collective noun can be singular or plural depending on the sense of the sentence. In the first example below, the shoal is considered as one unit. Therefore, 'shoal' is considered singular. However, in the second example, the shoal is considered as lots of individuals, and 'shoal' is considered plural.

Front	which of these are correct for plural agreement The shoal was moving north. The shoal were darting in all directions.
Back	both A collective noun can be singular or plural depending on the sense of the sentence. In the first example below, the shoal is considered as one unit. Therefore, 'shoal' is considered singular. However, in the second example, the shoal is considered as lots of individuals, and 'shoal' is considered plural.

Shoal Considered Plural Correct Agreement Moving North. Darting