Collective Pronouns: referring to groups or individuals

THE GROUP	THE INDIVIDUALS
Use a singular pronoun for a group when focusing more on the group.	Use a plural pronoun for a group when focusing more on the individuals than the group.
The paparazzi made its purpose clear. It had a right to be outside her house.	The paparazzi placed their cameras right in her face. They were rude, even mean.
The team took its equipment and went home. It was an unstoppable team, and it won the championship last year.	The team took their jackets and went home. They wanted to win, so they played their best game.
The Boy Scouts is changing its rules this year. It will send out notification to each scout.	The Boy Scouts are hard-working young men. They are helpful in their communities.
My family is small. It consists of four people.	My family is very close. They love and support me.
The class has been moved. It will be in room 44 from now on.	The class likes to work together. They meet after class in the library.
The crowd is large today. It has filled up the stadium.	The crowd enjoyed the game. They shouted and cheered wildly.

paparazzi (n.) – a photographer or a group who takes candid pictures of celebrities for publication

ERROR	SOLUTION
Over the years, the company has slowly changed their policy to include healthcare benefits for part-time women caring for children.	Over the years, the company has slowly changed its policy to include healthcare benefits for part-time women caring for children. Over the years, the company has slowly changed their policies to include healthcare benefits for part-time women caring for children. Is there more than one policy? Is this about individuals' policies (many) or the company policy (one)?
The kids in my class are presenting its projects in the science fair.	My class is presenting its projects in the science fair. (Focus on class with multiple projects — remove "The kids in".) The kids in my class are presenting their projects in the science fair. (Focus on kids with multiple projects.)

ERROR

SOLUTION

Over the years, the company has slowly changed their policy to include healthcare benefits for part-time women caring for children.

Over the years, the company has slowly changed its policy to include healthcare benefits for part-time women caring for children.

Over the years, the company has slowly changed their policies to include healthcare benefits for part-time women caring for children.

Is there more than one policy? Is this about individuals' policies (many) or the company policy (one)?

The kids in my class are presenting its projects in the science fair.

My class is presenting its projects in the science fair.
(Focus on class with multiple projects — remove "The kids in".)

The kids in my class are presenting their projects in the science fair. (Focus on kids with multiple projects.)

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