16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardThe number of takes a singular verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

The number of visitors to the reserve ____ doubled since the boardwalk was built.

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

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

Answer: A. has

"The number" is singular; "of visitors" does not change that.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. have
Plural, drawn to "visitors".
C. are
Plural and the wrong auxiliary.
D. were
Plural and the wrong auxiliary.

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