Grammar question

[milz]

No: HPFGUIDX 10311

 "Susan McGee"  wrote:
> --- 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
The sentence could be written:

The Committee put their signatures on the document. OR
The Committee members put their signatures on the document.

And would still have the same meaning.

But in the first example, "members" is understood (The Committee put 
their signatures on the document.) See, it's the context. 

"The Committee puts its signature on the document". Implies that the 
Committee uses a rubber stamp or something to sign documents as 'The 
Committee' because "its" is singular and refers to the Committee as a 
whole, rather than individuals. 

:-)Milz
Ain't grammar grand?