Question

Consider the following sentences: \[ (i) \text{The number of candidates who appear for the GATE examination is staggering.} \] \[ (ii) \text{A number of candidates from my class are appearing for the GATE examination.} \] \[ (iii) \text{The number of candidates who appear for the GATE examination are staggering.} \] \[ (iv) \text{A number of candidates from my class is appearing for the GATE examination.} \] Which of the above sentences are grammatically CORRECT?

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (i) and (iii)
• C. (ii) and (iii)
• D. (ii) and (iv)

Hint:

When using expressions like "a number of," always use the plural form of the verb. When the subject is "number" (singular), use the singular verb.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Analyze sentence (i) \[ (i) \text{The number of candidates who appear for the GATE examination is staggering.} \] - Correct: The subject "number" is singular, so the verb "is" agrees with it. Step 2: Analyze sentence (ii) \[ (ii) \text{A number of candidates from my class are appearing for the GATE examination.} \] - Correct: "A number of" is a phrase that takes the plural verb "are." Step 3: Analyze sentence (iii) \[ (iii) \text{The number of candidates who appear for the GATE examination are staggering.} \] - Incorrect: The subject "number" is singular, so the verb should be "is" instead of "are." Step 4: Analyze sentence (iv) \[ (iv) \text{A number of candidates from my class is appearing for the GATE examination.} \] - Incorrect: "A number of" takes a plural verb, so it should be "are" instead of "is." Conclusion: Sentences (i) and (ii) are grammatically correct, while sentences (iii) and (iv) are incorrect. Thus, the correct answer is Option (A).
Final Answer: (A)