“Team That” or “Team Who” or “Team Which”

As a language editor who has worked with writers and speakers across the globe, I’ve often seen confusion arise about how to refer to a team, whether to use that is winning or who is winning. This raises the classic question: “Team That” or “Team Who” or “Team Which?” These questions can perplex even experienced professionals, especially when navigating the nuances of grammar in different regional varieties, such as American and British English. In British style, collective nouns are often treated as plural, so you might hear “the team is winning,” whereas in American English, the team is typically considered singular, making “the team is winning” the preferred choice.

Whether you’re following a specific style or aiming to improve understanding, knowing how to use the correct form, even which word works best, can enhance clarity. Many recommendations favor “who” for people and “that” for things, but teams often fall between, blurring lines of grammar and tone. A comprehensive knowledge of such topics can help you choose the right phrasing and avoid awkward debates in your next editorial meeting.

Understanding Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to groups composed of members. Common examples include:

• Team
• Family
• Committee
• Government
• Staff

In American English, collective nouns are typically treated as singular entities, thus taking singular verbs. For example:

• The team is winning.

Conversely, British English often treats collective nouns as plural, especially when emphasizing the individual members within the group:

• The team is winning.

This distinction arises from differing grammatical conventions and cultural perceptions of group entities.

Pronoun Choices: That, Who, or Which?

Choosing the correct relative pronoun to accompany a collective noun can be challenging. Here’s a breakdown:

• “That”: Generally used for objects or groups. Preferred in American English when referring to collective nouns.
  • The team that won the championship is celebrating.
• “Who”: Typically reserved for individuals. In British English, it’s more acceptable to use “who” with collective nouns when emphasizing individual members.
  • The team who are celebrating has worked hard.
• “Which”: Used for objects or when adding non-essential information. Less common with collective nouns.
  • The team, which won last year, is competing again.

Quick Reference Table:

Pronoun	Usage Context	Example
That	Groups/objects	The team that won is celebrating.
Who	Individuals	The team who are celebrating has worked hard.
Which	Non-essential info	The team, which won last year, is competing again.

American vs. British English: Verb Agreement

The treatment of collective nouns varies between American and British English, particularly concerning verb agreement.

American English:

• Treats collective nouns as singular.
  • The committee meets every Monday.

British English:

• Often treats collective nouns as plural when emphasizing individual members.
  • The committee meets every Monday.

Comparison Table:

Sentence	American English	British English
The team is winning.	✔️	❌
The team is winning.	❌	✔️

Contextual Clues: Singular or Plural?

Determining whether to use a singular or plural verb with a collective noun depends on the context:

• Singular Verb: When the group is acting as a single unit.
  • The team is preparing for the match.
• Plural Verb: When individual members are acting separately.
  • The team is discussing their strategies.

Examples:

• The family is going on vacation. (as a unit)
• The family is arguing among themselves. (individual actions)

Application in Sports and Business

Sports:

• American English: The team is winning.
• British English: The team is winning.

Business:

• American English: The staff is meeting today.
• British English: The staff are meeting today.

Understanding your audience’s regional preferences is crucial in these contexts.

Style Guide Recommendations

Different style guides offer varying advice on the usage of collective nouns:

• The Chicago Manual of Style prefers singular verbs with collective nouns in American English.
  • The jury reaches a verdict.
• Associated Press (AP) Stylebook: Also recommends singular verbs for collective nouns.
• Oxford Style Manual: Accepts both singular and plural verbs with collective nouns in British English, depending on context.

Summary Table:

Style Guide	Recommendation
Chicago Manual of Style	Singular verb
AP Stylebook	Singular verb
Oxford Style Manual	Context-dependent

Best Practices

• Consistency: Maintain consistent verb agreement throughout your writing.
  • If you start with “The team is,” continue using singular verbs.
• Clarity: Choose the verb form that conveys your intended meaning.
• Audience Awareness: Consider whether your audience uses American or British English conventions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing Singular and Plural: Avoid switching between singular and plural verbs with the same collective noun.
  • Incorrect: The team is winning, and they are celebrating.
  • Correct: The team is winning, and it is celebrating.
• Using “Who” with Non-Human Entities: Reserve “who” for individuals, not groups or objects, unless emphasizing individual members in British English.

Team That, Team Who, or Team Which

Navigating the intricacies of collective nouns requires an understanding of grammatical rules, regional differences, and context. By applying the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently choose the appropriate pronouns and verbs when referring to collective entities like “team.”

Remember:

• Use “that” with collective nouns in American English.
• Use singular verbs for collective nouns in American English.
• In British English, context dictates whether to use singular or plural verbs.
• Consistency and clarity are key to effective communication.

By adhering to these principles, your writing will be grammatically sound and resonate with your intended audience.

Final Thoughts

The choice between “team that or “team who” or “team which” isn’t just about grammar – it’s about clarity, audience awareness, and intent. Whether you’re writing for an American or British audience, understanding the role of collective nouns helps avoid ambiguity and elevates the professionalism of your writing.

In American English, treat “team” as singular and pair it with singular verbs and “that.” In British English, if you’re emphasizing the individuals within the team, plural verbs and even “who” can be appropriate.

Keep your writing consistent, clear, and aligned with your audience’s expectations. Use this guide as a reference when in doubt, and always prioritize meaning over mechanical rule-following. After all, language is a tool, not a trap.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say “The team is winning”?

Yes, it is correct in British English when emphasizing the individual members of the team. However, in American English, the correct usage would be “The team is winning” since the team is treated as a single unit.

Should I use “team who” or “team that”?

Use “team that” in formal American English, as “that” is the preferred pronoun for collective nouns and non-human entities. Use “team who” only when emphasizing the human aspect of the members, more common in informal or British usage.

Is “team which” ever correct?

“Team which” can be grammatically acceptable when adding non-restrictive clauses, especially in British English, but it’s less common. For example:

• The team, which had won three titles before, entered the final with confidence.

In American English, this structure is rare and often avoided in favor of “that.”

How do I know whether to use a singular or plural verb with collective nouns?

Use a singular verb when the group acts as a unit:

• The team is on the field.

Use a plural verb when you want to highlight the individual actions of the group members:

• The team is arguing amongst themselves.

Your audience’s location (American vs. British) also plays a key role in your decision.

Can I switch between singular and plural usage for the same noun in the same document?

Generally, no. It’s best to maintain consistency throughout your writing. If you start by treating “team” as singular, continue using singular verbs and pronouns. Mixing the two can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your content.