Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[klafterreith]

I`m a member of Amnesty International, a group that focuses strictly on prisoners of conscience.

a. Is `group�an acceptable noun in this context ? (organisation/movement??)

b. Is it possible to use the plural verb form? (...... a group that focus (?) strictly on prisoners of conscience�)

Please comment.

[pugachevV]

Group is quite normal in this context; so is organisation; and so is movement.
Amnesty International qualifies as all three.
Although a group consists of many people, the noun itself is single and so you must use the singular form of the verb. I know that, especially nowadays, you will hear all sorts of people, who should know better, say things such as, "The group werel outraged."
It is merely a result of ignorance, laziness, or laissez-faire attitudes in present day education.