Number of People

Should I write : A Number of People is or A Number of People are?


Although the expression a number is strictly singular, the phrase a number of is used with plural nouns (as what grammarians call a determiner). The verb should therefore be plural.


• A number of people are waiting for the bus.


This is not the case with the number which is still singular.


• The number of people here has increased since this morning.


Related Links:


• How do I know when to put An Apostrophe in it's?
• Is it an hour or a hour?
• It is raining. Can this sentence stand alone as grammatically correct?
• Is the word Data singular or plural?

• Is the word Agenda singular or plural?
• Is it acceptable to use THEY instead of HE or SHE?
• Should I use A Singular or A Plural Verb with Collective Nouns?
• Should I write : A Number of People is or A Number of People are?

• What are the Plurals of octopus, hippopotamus and syllabus?
• What is a Split Infinitive and why should I avoid using one?
• The Word for The Whole that is Greater than the sum of the parts is ...
• When should I use LESS and when should I use FEWER?

• Which is correct : a European not an European?
• Which is correct in this sentence : Lay or Lie?
• Which is correct: My Friend and Me or my friend and I?
• Which is the correct spelling : Oriented or Orientated?

Follow These Links!