"Police" is grammatically a plural noun and is always followed by a plural verb.
Understanding the Plurality of "Police"
Despite not ending in '-s' like most regular plural nouns, "police" inherently refers to a group of individuals – the collective body of law enforcement officers. This collective meaning dictates its grammatical function as a plural noun in English.
When you use "police," you are referring to a group of people, not a single person. If you need to refer to one person, you would use terms like "police officer," "policeman," or "policewoman."
Key Characteristics
- Collective Noun: It functions as a collective noun representing multiple individuals within the police force.
- Always Takes a Plural Verb: Regardless of context, the verb accompanying "police" must be in its plural form.
Examples:
- Correct: The police are investigating the incident thoroughly. (Not: "The police is investigating.")
- Correct: Local police have increased their presence in the area. (Not: "Local police has increased.")
- Correct: The police were called to the scene immediately. (Not: "The police was called.")
Nouns Similar to "Police"
"Police" belongs to a specific category of nouns that appear singular in form but are consistently treated as plural in meaning, always taking a plural verb. These nouns often refer to groups of people or animals.
| Noun | Description | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Police | A group of law enforcement officers | The police are well-trained. |
| Cattle | Domesticated bovine animals | The cattle are grazing peacefully. |
| Children | Young human beings (plural of 'child') | My children love to read. |
| People | Human beings in general | Many people believe in fairness. |
| Infantry | Soldiers who fight on foot as a unit | The infantry were deployed to the front line. |
| Poultry | Domestic fowl kept for eggs or meat (e.g., chickens, ducks) | The poultry are kept in a large coop. |
| Gentry | People of good social position; the landed class | The local gentry were known for their hospitality. |
Understanding these grammatical distinctions is crucial for accurate and clear communication in English.
