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This depends on what feels best to you.

Technically, a 3rd person singular form should agree with this phrase, as its subject is a singular noun.


So, correct is:


A number of people has not turned up to the conference.


However, many would argue that this sounds awkward and unnatural and most people would feel that the verb actually ought to agree with the partitive object of the phrase which is, "people".


So, actual usage is:


A number of people haven't turned up to the conference.


Which option you decide is correct depends on how much you think grammar should stick to prescribed rules or reflect actual common usage.

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13 rules of subject-verb agreement with 5 example each?

rule 1:a singular subject requires a singular verb rule2:a plural subject requires a plural verb rule3:singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs rule4:plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs rule5:a collective noun takes a singular verb when the group it names acts as one single unit rule6:a collective noun takes a plural verb when the group it names acts individually rule7:compound subjects joined by"AND" take plural verbs.However ,when these compound subjects are considered one item or reffer to one person or thing, then it requires a singular verb rule8:compound subjects connected by or,nor,either...or and neither...nor,the verb agrees with the nearer subject. rule9:titles,amounts,and measurmaents take singular verbs rule10:plural nouns preceded by"a number of" take plural verbs rule11:plural nouns preceded by"the number of" take singular verbs


What are the subject verb agreement rules with 5 examples each?

Subject-verb agreement rules state that a subject must agree with its verb in number (singular or plural). For singular subjects, use singular verbs, and for plural subjects, use plural verbs. Examples: The cat runs fast. (singular) The dogs bark loudly. (plural) She writes a letter. (singular) They play soccer. (plural) The team is winning. (singular collective noun) In collective nouns, the verb can be singular or plural based on context, while indefinite pronouns like "everyone" or "nobody" always take singular verbs.


What are some examples of rule number 4 and 16 in the subject verb agreement?

Rule number 4 in subject-verb agreement states that when a subject is followed by a phrase beginning with "as well as," the verb should agree with the main subject, not the phrase. For example, "The teacher, as well as her students, is excited." Rule number 16 states that collective nouns may take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals. For instance, "The team wins" (singular) versus "The team are arguing among themselves" (plural).


Does portion take a singular or plural verb?

The noun portion is a singular noun. The plural is portions.My portion is bigger than your portion.No, our portions are the same.The word portion is also a verb.


Enumerate atleast 10 rules governing the subject verbal?

Verbal subjects follow several key rules: The subject must agree in number with the verb (singular vs. plural). Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a unit or individually. Indefinite pronouns (like "everyone" or "some") often take singular verbs. Titles of works, even if plural in form, take singular verbs. When subjects are joined by "and," the verb is typically plural. With subjects joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the nearer subject. Inverted sentences (like questions) still follow subject-verb agreement rules. Intervening phrases do not affect subject-verb agreement. Compound subjects may require a singular or plural verb based on context. In sentences starting with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb, affecting agreement.

Related Questions

Does coupled with take a singular or plural verb?

A phrase that uses coupled with is a modification that does not convert a singular noun into a plural noun, so if you say something such as, originality coupled with skill makes him an interesting musician, originality remains singular.


Does a singular subject always take a plural verb?

No, a singular subject should take a singular verb. The verb should match the number of the subject in the sentence.


Does the word 'number' take a singular or plural verb?

As a collective noun, it can take either a singular or plural noun. If, however, it follows the definite article the, you should use a singular verb, as in The number of students taking advanced math classes has fallen over the last ten years.


Does majority take a singular or plural verb?

The pronoun most can be singular or plural. Plural: Most of the students take part in after-school activities. Singular: Most of the food was delicious. The number of the pronoun agrees with the number of the noun it refers to. Students is a plural noun and therefore most is plural in that sentence. Food is a singular noun, and so in that sentence most is singular.


Number of words ending in ics which have a plural form do they take a plural verb or singular verb?

It takes a plural verb. example, His mathematics are weak.


Is rocks singular or plural?

Plural because it has a "s." If you take off the "s'' it will become singular.


Does the word range take a singular or plural object?

Did you mean does it take a singular or plural noun form? If so, the answer is singular. A range of products WAS available, not WERE available.


13 rules of subject-verb agreement with 5 example each?

rule 1:a singular subject requires a singular verb rule2:a plural subject requires a plural verb rule3:singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs rule4:plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs rule5:a collective noun takes a singular verb when the group it names acts as one single unit rule6:a collective noun takes a plural verb when the group it names acts individually rule7:compound subjects joined by"AND" take plural verbs.However ,when these compound subjects are considered one item or reffer to one person or thing, then it requires a singular verb rule8:compound subjects connected by or,nor,either...or and neither...nor,the verb agrees with the nearer subject. rule9:titles,amounts,and measurmaents take singular verbs rule10:plural nouns preceded by"a number of" take plural verbs rule11:plural nouns preceded by"the number of" take singular verbs


Is workforce plural or singular' does it take plural or singular verb?

The noun workforce is singular and takes a singular verbThe plural form is 'workforces'.Examples:The workforce at the plant is on strike. (singular)Most of the workforces of the nineteenth century were in agriculture. (plural)


Does the word 'there' take a singular verb?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the number(singular or plural) of the subject.Examples:There goes the bus.There go the buses.


Does the word 'are' take singular or plural verb?

are takes the plural form


What Takes a plural verb?

Pronouns that take a plural verb are: we, you, they, and these; and any combination of singular pronouns will take a plural verb, such as 'You and I...'.