16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'a number of'

Standard English Conventions practice question

A number of the cottages on the island ____ empty for most of the year.

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

  1. A. standCorrect
  2. B. stands
  3. C. is standing
  4. D. has stood

Answer: A. stand

'A number of' takes a plural verb: 'a number of the cottages stand'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. stands
'Stands' is singular.
C. is standing
'Is standing' is singular.
D. has stood
'Has stood' is singular.

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