A number of should be used with a plural verb. Think of it this way:
A number of equates to the word they.
Ex:
A number of fans buy tickets at the game. (They buy tickets.)
A number of dogs in our neighborhood actually like the mailman. (They like the mailmam.)
On the other hand, when using the number of, use a singular verb. The number of equates to the word it.
Ex:
The number of snowstorms this year was more than expected. (It was more than expected.)
The number of dogs in our neighborhood has grown over the past several years. (It has grown.)
I. Watch the movie segment and choose the best answer:
1. The number of cars on the streets WAS / WERE small.
2. A number of money bags WAS / WERE inside the armored van.
3. A / THE number of nuts the vendor put in her the little girl’s mouth was enough to keep her quiet.
4. A / THE number of pictures were drawn to review the plan.
5. The number of nuts in the nut cart IS / ARE enough to feed everyone.
6. A / THE number of squirrels have planned to assault the nut cart.
Answer Key:
1. was
2. were
3. the
4. a
5. is
6. a
0 comments
I need a movie segment with indefinite pronouns(somebody, anybody, someone etc) and go + action verb.
I love your blog!!!!!!!!!! It helps me a lot.
Thanks
Néli
Thanks for the suggestion. It is on my list already.