A number or the number
Do you know the difference between these three sentences?
1. The number of protesters were reported to the police.
2. A number of people were reported to the police.
3. The number of people was reported to the police.
If you feel confused, then keep reading.
The number
The expression "The number of X" refers to the actual "number" of people and takes a singular verb.
For example:
The number of books sold were was approximately 8600.
The number of protests are is expected to rise.
A number
In contrast, the expression "A number of X" refers to "people", where "a number" acts like "several". Hence, this expression takes a plural verb.
A number of complaints has have been made.
A number of books was were damaged in a fire.
Can you find which sentence(s) at the beginning of this post is/are incorrect?
#commonmistakes #yesthatboringgrammar #task1
@dilmurod_notes
Do you know the difference between these three sentences?
1. The number of protesters were reported to the police.
2. A number of people were reported to the police.
3. The number of people was reported to the police.
If you feel confused, then keep reading.
The number
The expression "The number of X" refers to the actual "number" of people and takes a singular verb.
For example:
The number of books sold were was approximately 8600.
The number of protests are is expected to rise.
A number
In contrast, the expression "A number of X" refers to "people", where "a number" acts like "several". Hence, this expression takes a plural verb.
A number of complaints has have been made.
A number of books was were damaged in a fire.
Can you find which sentence(s) at the beginning of this post is/are incorrect?
#commonmistakes #yesthatboringgrammar #task1
@dilmurod_notes