English for Students

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.


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