"Have" or "Has"

[Nordic Bill]

In relation to this fun (= true) fact ...

"More than half the people in the world _____________ never made or received a phone call."

... what would be the correct verb to use here?

Common sense tells me "has" since "half" is a singular noun, thus warranting the third person singular form of the verb.

On the other hand, we are talking "in excess of half" which may warrant a plural form?

Thanx,
Bill

[Casiopea]

What about looking at is from this angle?

Half the books are
<'books', plural>

Half the book is
<'book', singular>

Half the people have
<'people', plural>

All the best.

[Nordic Bill]

Thanks, Casiopea. Sorry for my delay in responding. I'll most definitely go with 'have'.

I don't know where I would be without you people sometimes!

Rgs,
Bill

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome, Bill.