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Question

Difficulty: HardSubject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct form of the auxiliary verb for each blank to satisfy the rules of subject-verb agreement.

Answer:The number of candidates who registered for the university entrance examination 【has】 increased significantly this year, although a number of applicants 【are】 still struggling to complete their online verification.

Answer

Blank 1 requires 'has' because 'The number of' takes a singular verb, whereas Blank 2 requires 'are' because 'A number of' takes a plural verb.
In standard English concord, 'The number of' denotes a singular aggregate quantity and takes a singular verb ('has'). In contrast, 'A number of' functions as a plural indefinite determiner meaning 'many' and takes a plural verb ('are').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the subject head and concord rule for the first blank.
The subject phrase is introduced by 'The number of candidates'.
When 'number' is preceded by the definite article 'the', it refers to a single specific total or unit, demanding a singular verb ('has').
2
Determine the subject head and concord rule for the second blank.
The subject phrase is introduced by 'a number of applicants'.
When 'number' is preceded by the indefinite article 'a', the phrase functions as a plural quantifier meaning 'several' or 'many', demanding a plural verb ('are').

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement (Concord) with 'The number of' vs 'A number of'
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Subject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

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