English Language Discussion Forums

**Tdol** · #1 12-Nov-2003, 22:23

#2 13-Nov-2003, 10:38

Dear All,

I chose "are".

Why do others choose "is"?
Could someone explain that for me? :wink:

The advanced area here is difficult for me :(

Have a nice day :D

**Tdol** · #3 13-Nov-2003, 11:47

'The number' is treated as a grammatically singular despite the plural noun coming after it. It is one of those tricky things that gets tested in advanced exams.

#4 13-Nov-2003, 13:51

Dear tdol,

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdol

'The number' is treated as a grammatically singular despite the plural noun coming after it. It is one of those tricky things that gets tested in advanced exams.

Thanks!
I think you're right (of course :wink: ):D

There are five students and then it becomes eight.
so we use "is".

Thanks tdol ! :D
Today I learned one more thing :D

**RonBee** · #5 13-Nov-2003, 15:48

A think it's the marker the that makes the difference there. What do you think, Tdol?

:D

#6 08-Jan-2005, 16:54

the number = singular
a number = plural

silversea · #7 16-Mar-2005, 03:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgerfan2002

the number = singular
a number = plural

yeah, the phrase a number of... means several or many (it depends). So it calls for a plural verb.
The number of, on the other hand, is treated as a noun phrase in which number is a noun. Hence, it needs a singular verb.