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Difficulty: MediumSubject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

Fill in the blanks with the correct present-tense auxiliary verbs to complete the sentence in accordance with the rules of subject-verb concord.

Answer:In recent months, a number of qualified applicants 【have】 submitted their credentials, but the number of short-listed candidates 【is】 strictly limited.

Answer

The first blank requires 'have' and the second blank requires 'is'.
The expression 'a number of' functions as a plural quantifier taking a plural verb ('have'). Conversely, 'the number of' specifies a single numerical total and takes a singular verb ('is').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the subject structure in the first clause.
The subject phrase is introduced by 'a number of qualified applicants'.
The expression 'a number of' acts as a plural quantifier meaning 'several' or 'many', which requires a plural verb ('have').
2
Analyze the subject structure in the second clause.
The subject phrase is introduced by 'the number of short-listed candidates'.
The expression 'the number of' denotes a specific singular total or numerical figure, which requires a singular verb ('is').

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement with 'A number of' vs. 'The number of'
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Topics

Subject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

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