Collective/plural nouns: People, Police, Staff

Some nouns in English look singular but are actually used as plural nouns. This means they take a plural verb (are, have, were), like “they”. Common examples include people, police, and staff.

1. People → always plural

People is the plural of “person” and always takes a plural verb.

• People are friendly here.
• Many people work from home.

❌ People is friendly.

2. Police → always plural

Police is treated as a plural noun in English.

• The police are investigating the case.
• Police have arrested two suspects.

❌ The police is investigating.

3. Staff → plural in British English

Staff means the people who work for a company. In British English, it usually takes a plural verb.

• The staff are very helpful.
• Staff have been informed.

In American English, staff is often singular. Both are correct:

• The staff is ready. (common in American English)

4. Compare with “person” and “people”

• One person is here.
• Two people are here.

Key idea

• People → plural
• Police → plural
• Staff → plural (UK) or singular (US)