Examkin

Soru

Zorluk: OrtaSubject-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.

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

Cevap

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').

Adım Adım Çözüm

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').

Anahtar Kavram

Subject-Verb Agreement with 'A number of' vs. 'The number of'
Bu soruyu puanla

Konular

Subject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

Bu konudan daha fazla soru