7. Collective nouns

7. Collective nouns

In British English, collective nouns like government, staff, committee, company, firm, audience, family, team, etc., can take either a singular or a plural verb. In American English such nouns usually take a singular verb. The same is true of certain proper nouns, for example the names of countries or companies. Click here to see the full text.  

AE	BE
The government intends to cut taxes.	The government intends (or intend) to cut taxes.
The committee hasn't made a decision yet.	The committee hasn't (or haven't) made a decision yet.
Italy is scheduled to play Brazil in the opening match.	Italy is (or are) scheduled to play Brazil in the opening match.
Air France has announced additional lights.	Air France have (or has) Air France have (or has)