The staff was vs The staff were

Both 'the staff was' and 'the staff were' can be correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The staff was' is used when referring to the staff as a collective singular noun, while 'the staff were' is used when referring to the staff as individuals. The choice between 'was' and 'were' depends on whether you are treating the staff as a single entity or as separate people.

Last updated: April 12, 2024 • 854 views

The staff was

This phrase is correct when referring to the staff as a collective singular noun.

Use 'the staff was' when referring to the staff as a single entity or group.

Examples:

The staff was very helpful during the event.
The staff was praised for their hard work.

Show examples from the web [+]

Answers. holden's avatar. “The staff was” You are refering to a collective body and use the singular form of the verb.
Jul 13, 2006 ... The staff was/were on duty to assist with any problems. Does the word "all" in the first sentence refer to "all of them," making staff ...
This was my first eye appointment for several years. The staff was amazing. Clean environment. I really enjoyed my visit there.
The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, I highly recommend Today's Vision for you eyewear needs. They had a great selection of sun glasses (what ...
The staff was friendly and very helpful. All the tests done were thorough and explained well. I will definitely go back as they care about your eye health.
Madhumanthra Resort: The staff was very kind, friendly and helpful. - See 144 traveler reviews, 256 candid photos, and great deals for Madhumanthra Resort ...
The staff was professional and nice. Your doctor today is: Ahn Nguyen. Your assistant today is: Silvia. How did you hear about us? Co-worker.
Zoe Mei Resort: The staff was very friendly and accommodating. - See 43 traveler reviews, 86 candid photos, and great deals for Zoe Mei Resort at ...

Alternatives:

the team was
the committee was
the group was
the organization was
the company was

The staff were

This phrase is correct when referring to the staff as individuals.

Use 'the staff were' when referring to the staff as separate people or individuals.

Examples:

The staff were each given a task to complete.
The staff were happy with their new uniforms.

Show examples from the web [+]

Days Inn by Wyndham - Downtown Hamilton: The staff were friendly, courteous, and accommodating ... - See 685 traveler reviews, 132 candid photos, and great ...
The staff were also very knowledgeable and made the process an enjoyable endeavor. Would recommend this place to anyone, Dr. Huff is great and explains ...
Pan Pacific Hanoi: The staff were very attentive and friendly. - See 2350 traveler reviews, 1571 candid photos, and great deals for Pan Pacific Hanoi at ...
The staff were very professional when I selected my glasses and picked the perfect frames that suit my face and took their time with me.
Ambong Ambong Rainforest Retreat: The staff were very accommodating, the ambiance was great and the vista superb - See 969 traveler reviews, ...
Hotel Manama: The staff were friendly, courteous, and accommodating - See 185 traveler reviews, 47 candid photos, and great deals for Hotel Manama at ...

Alternatives:

the employees were
the workers were
the team members were
the committee members were
the group members were

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