
Do you wonder why we sometimes use a singular verb for ‘number’ and sometimes a plural verb?
If you do wonder, this is the grammatical rule for ‘a number’ and ‘the number’.
Grammar rule
The expression the number is followed by a singular verb while the expression a number is followed by a plural verb.
Examples:
The number of people we need is 10. (The number = singular verb)
A number of people have written in about this subject. (A number = plural verb)
The number of people lined up for tickets was four hundred. (The number = singular verb)
A number of suggestions were made. (A number = plural verb)
If you would like to learn about more grammatical rules, come join us for our weekly P3 – P5 classes via zoom or at the centre!
Primary 5 English tuition class schedule
Day | Start time | End time |
---|---|---|
Thursday | 5.00 pm | 7.00 pm |
Friday | 4.00 pm | 6.00 pm |
Friday - Zoom Class | 4.30 pm | 6.30 pm |
Saturday | 2.00 pm | 4.00 pm |