Does Singular collective noun of plural nouns take a singular or plural verb

Help.


Which of the following is correct?

A group of prisoners has [singular verb] escaped
A group of prisoners have [plural verb] escaped

It should be (a), right? But that feels wrong because the noun immediately preceding the verb is a plural.

Any views?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaggers

Help.


Which of the following is correct?

A group of prisoners has [singular verb] escaped
A group of prisoners have [plural verb] escaped

It should be (a), right? But that feels wrong because the noun immediately preceding the verb is a plural.

Any views?

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Both are possible.

Thank you! Having posted question, I then found the question had been asked previous (several times!). Good always to search first!