Does Singular collective noun of plural nouns take a singular or plural verb

[Jaggers]

Help.


Which of the following is correct?

A group of prisoners has [singular verb] escaped
A group of prisoners have [plural verb] escaped

It should be (a), right? But that feels wrong because the noun immediately preceding the verb is a plural.

Any views?

 

[bhaisahab]

Help.


Which of the following is correct?

A group of prisoners has [singular verb] escaped
A group of prisoners have [plural verb] escaped

It should be (a), right? But that feels wrong because the noun immediately preceding the verb is a plural.

Any views?

Both are possible.

 

[Jaggers]

Thank you! Having posted question, I then found the question had been asked previous (several times!). Good always to search first!