Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'a number of'
Standard English Conventions practice question
A number of the pieces in the back room ____ seconds, sold at half price.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. areCorrect
- B. is
- C. was
- D. has been
Answer: A. are
'A number of' takes a plural verb: 'a number of the pieces are'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. is
- 'A number of … is' is not standard.
- C. was
- Singular past.
- D. has been
- Singular.
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