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Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'the number of'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The number of entries in this year's competition ____ the highest on record.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. isCorrect
  2. B. are
  3. C. were
  4. D. have been

Answer: A. is

'The number of' is singular: 'the number … is'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. are
'Are' would suit 'a number of entries', a different construction.
C. were
'Were' is plural.
D. have been
'Have been' is plural.

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