Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'the number of'
Standard English Conventions practice question
The number of applicants ____ risen every year since the programme began.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. hasCorrect
- B. have
- C. are
- D. were
Answer: A. has
The subject is 'the number', which is singular. 'of applicants' describes it. So: 'has risen'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. have
- 'have' agrees with 'applicants', but 'applicants' is inside a prepositional phrase. The subject is 'the number'.
- C. are
- 'are risen' isn't a standard form, and the subject is singular.
- D. were
- 'were risen' isn't standard either, and 'were' is plural.
More Standard English Conventions questions
- Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Maya trained for … - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The three ____ un… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The first experim… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Marie Curie, ____… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? On weekends, Priy… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The list of appro…
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.