When subject is a collective unit, singular or plural ?

[chibe_k]

When the subject is a collective unit such as the following examples:

1. client
2. department
3. management
4. name of a country (Australia, Japan..etc)

What is the correct form to use, singular or plural ?

For example,
Singular - Client approves the change ?
or
Plural - Client approve the change ?

Which one is correct ?

Any explanation would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Barb_D]

In the U.S., we seem to have more of a tendency to use the singular verb. If, for some reason, you are going to the trouble of defining them as individuals, then you could see the plural.

I believe that the plural form shows up more often in BrE.

(You also need to use an article with "Client" and "Department.")