taliban
taliban — noun
1. The hardline Islamist group that governed most of Afghanistan and imposed a stri
The hardline Islamist group that governed most of Afghanistan and imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, first from the mid-1990s until 2001, and then again from 2021 onwards.
The Taliban has announced that girls will be allowed to attend school.
Taliban + singular verb for the institution
International diplomats held talks with the Taliban about humanitarian aid.
Taliban treated as a negotiating body
After the peace deal, the Taliban regained control of the capital city.
The Taliban banned television, music, and most forms of entertainment during its first period of rule.
Rural villages were the first areas to fall under Taliban authority.
文法句型
Taliban + singular/plural verb (context-dependent)
用法筆記
When referring to the Taliban as a single organisation or government, a singular verb is often used in formal English (e.g., 'the Taliban has agreed…'). When referring to individual members or fighters, a plural verb is more natural (see sense 2).
2. The individual fighters, commanders, or officials who belong to the Taliban orga
The individual fighters, commanders, or officials who belong to the Taliban organisation, considered as a group of people rather than a single institution.
The Taliban were seen patrolling the streets with heavy weapons.
Taliban + plural verb 'were' for group of individuals
Several Taliban were captured during the military operation in the eastern province.
countable: 'several Taliban' as individuals
Local villagers reported that the Taliban had taken over the market square.
A group of Taliban approached the checkpoint and demanded to see the village elder.
文法句型
Taliban + plural verb (for individuals)
用法筆記
In this sense, 'Taliban' behaves like a plural-only noun (compare 'the police'). You cannot say 'a Taliban' to refer to one person; instead use 'a Taliban fighter' or 'a Taliban commander'. With a singular verb (sense 1) the focus is on the institution; with a plural verb (this sense) the focus is on the people acting.