Grammar question

[milz]

No: HPFGUIDX 10151

"Flying Ford Anglia" 
wrote:

Sheep isn't quite the same as the other examples you give, because 
the word is exactly the same in singular and plural usage (whereas 
you could have several councils or assemblies). Would you say "The 
sheep was grazing in the field" in Am English if there were several 
sheep? 

In American English (I just happen to have a grammar book handy!), 
collective nouns are treated singular or plural depending upon the 
context. Thus, if one needs to draw attention to the individuals then 
the the collective noun is treated as singularly. 

For example, 

The committee granted its permission to build. ('Committee' is
treated 
as a single entity.)

The committee put their signatures on the document. ('Committee' is 
treated as individuals.)

:-) Milz