I’ve often run into questions about the correct usage of pronouns like “team who,” “team that,” and “team which” while editing an article or doing some light proofreading. The nuances in phrasing are subtle, and even skilled writers and speakers can struggle when working with collective nouns like team. In my editorial reviews, I’ve seen how word choice impacts tone – too formal or too natural, depending on the situation. What’s crucial is having a deep understanding of the sentence’s tone and flow. Achieving grammatical precision is a goal, but so is ensuring your message sounds authentic and human.
This guide briefly delves into practical choices, providing clarity for those who communicate in English regularly. “Team that” works best in neutral or American settings, while “team who” sounds more personal – a tone I often see in British writing. You might come across “team which” in more technical contexts. Each option reflects your context, your audience, and the tone you’re aiming for. With a bit of time and attention, you’ll know which term fits best.
Understanding Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to groups composed of members, such as “team,” “family,” or “committee.” While singular in form, their verb agreement can vary based on context and regional usage.
- American English: Typically treats collective nouns as singular.
- Example: “The team is winning.”
- British English: Often treats collective nouns as plural, especially when emphasizing individual actions.
- Example: “The team are arguing among themselves.”
Note: The choice between singular and plural verbs depends on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals.
Relative Pronouns: That, Who, and Which
Relative pronouns connect clauses to nouns, providing more information about the noun.
- Who: Refers to people.
- Example: “The player who scored the goal.”
- That: Refers to people or things in restrictive clauses.
- Example: “The team that won the match.”
- Which: Refers to things in non-restrictive clauses.
- Example: “The team, which was founded in 1902, has a rich history.”
Restrictive Clause: Essential information; no commas.
Non-restrictive Clause: Additional information; use commas.
Applying Pronouns to “Team”
Team That
- Usage: Preferred in formal writing when referring to the team as a single entity.
- Example: “The team that secured the victory celebrated afterward.”
Team Who
- Usage: Emphasizes individual members; more common in informal contexts.
- Example: “The team who are training hard will likely succeed.”
Team Which
- Usage: Introduces non-essential information; less common.
- Example: “The team, which has new uniforms, looks professional.”
Tip: Use “that” for essential information, “which” for additional details, and “who” when focusing on people.
Regional Differences in Usage
| Region | Preferred Verb Agreement | Example |
| American English | Singular | “The team is winning.” |
| British English | Plural | “The team are winning.” |
Insight: American English emphasizes the group as a whole, while British English often highlights individual actions within the group.
Contextual Considerations
- Business Writing: Consistency is key. Choose a style guide and adhere to it throughout the document.
- Sports Commentary: British English often uses plural verbs with team names.
- Example: “Manchester United are leading the league.”
Best Practices
- Clarity: Ensure that pronoun and verb choices make the sentence clear and unambiguous.
- Consistency: Stick to one style within a document to maintain professionalism.
- Audience Awareness: Consider the regional background of your audience when choosing between singular and plural verb agreements.
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Preferred Pronoun | Verb Agreement |
| Formal writing about a team | That | Singular |
| Emphasizing team members individually | Who | Plural |
| Adding non-essential information | Which | Depends on context |
Conclusion:
Choosing the correct pronoun and verb agreement when referring to a “team” depends on context, regional norms, and the emphasis of the sentence. By understanding these nuances, writers and speakers can communicate more effectively and accurately.
FAQS
Is it grammatically correct to say “the team who won”?
Technically, “who” refers to people, not things or groups. Since “team” is a collective noun that refers to a group, “the team that won” is more grammatically precise, especially in formal writing. However, “the team who won” is commonly used in casual speech to humanize the group.
What’s the difference between “team that” and “team which”?
- “Team that” is used in restrictive clauses, meaning the clause provides essential information.
- Example: “The team that won the championship is from Chicago.”
- “Team which” is used in non-restrictive clauses, where the clause adds extra (non-essential) information.
- Example: “The team, which won last year, is back in the finals.”
Use “that” without commas, and “which” with commas.
Should I use a singular or plural verb with the word “team”?
It depends on the region and context:
- In American English, treat “team” as singular: “The team is ready.”
- In British English, it can be plural: “The team are ready.” Also, use singular if the group acts as one unit, and plural if the individuals are acting separate
Can I say “team who” in professional or academic writing?
It’s better to avoid “team who” in professional or academic writing. Use “team that” instead, as it’s considered more grammatically standard and formal. Save “team who” for conversational or creative writing when you want to emphasize the human aspect of the team
How do I stay consistent when writing about teams in a long document?
Follow these steps:
- Choose a style guide (like APA, Chicago, or a brand guide) that aligns with your audience or region.
- Decide early if you’ll treat collective nouns as singular or plural.
- Use “team that” for consistency in professional writing.
Stick to one approach throughout the document to avoid confusion and maintain credibility.
