Is the word staff singular or plural?

Answer 1

Staff, for all intents and purposes, is singular. There is one staff. Definition 5.e. in Merriam-Webster's entry allows for use as plural, however, the preferred use is singular. Think of "staff" as the sum total of the parts. (As the pie is made up of the slices.) PREFERRED: "Fifteen members of the staff attended the meeting." AVOID: "Fifteen staff attended the meeting." In addition, most publications that follow Associated Press guidelines will use only the singular. When in doubt, avoid the word. Recraft the sentence using a different word, like "employees," or "workers."