Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:
The number of applicants are increasing steadily each month.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer: number of applicants is
Explanation
• Rule: The phrase 'The number of' refers to a single quantity or total count and always takes a singular verb, whereas 'A number of' means 'many' and takes a plural verb.
• In the given sentence, the subject is introduced by 'The number', so it requires the singular verb 'is' instead of the plural verb 'are'.
• Since the phrase 'each month' indicates an ongoing present trend, the present continuous tense (is increasing) is contextually correct.
Quick Tip:
• The number of + Plural Noun + Singular Verb (e.g., The number of students is fifty.)
• A number of + Plural Noun + Plural Verb (e.g., A number of students are absent today.)