Grammar question

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 10250

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, "milz " <absinthe at m...> wrote:
> "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


Okay, now I'm beyond my depth..

I'd say

The Committee grants its permission to build.

And the Committee puts its (the signatures of its members) on the 
document....

Please help