16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardA number of takes a plural verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

A number of the paintings ____ been reattributed since the catalogue was printed.

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

  1. A. haveCorrect
  2. B. has
  3. C. is
  4. D. was

Answer: A. have

"A number of" means "several" and takes a plural verb.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. has
Singular; "the number of" would be singular, but "a number of" is plural.
C. is
Singular and the wrong auxiliary.
D. was
Singular and the wrong auxiliary.

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