A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals or objects as a group; family, company, etc.. When a collective noun is used in the singular, the verb can be either Singular or Plural.
The company has decided to open ten new outlets.
The company have decided to open ten new outlets.
NB The police are here. ('police' has no singular form)
If a singular verb is used then the noun is seen as a single entity. If a plural verb is used, then the noun is seen as consisting of a group of individuals.
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