Project ForgeConsider the following sentences: (i) The number of candidates who appear for the GATE examination is staggering. (ii) A number of candidates from my class are appearing for the GATE examination. (iii) The number of candidates who appear for the GATE examination are staggering. (iv) A number of candidates from my class is appearing for the GATE examination. Which of the above sentences are grammatically CORRECT?
- (i) and (ii)
- B(i) and (iii)
- C(ii) and (iii)
- D(ii) and (iv)
Explanation
'The number of X' (a specific, definite total) takes a singular verb — 'is staggering' (i) is correct, not 'are staggering' (iii). 'A number of X' (an indefinite quantifier meaning 'several/many') takes a plural verb — 'are appearing' (ii) is correct, not 'is appearing' (iv).
Source: GATE ME 2021 Session 2 (ME-2) (2021)
This question is part of a 15-day revision cycle — sign in and Project Forge will bring it back the day before you'd forget it.