GATE ME 2021 Set 2 — Question 2

MCQ+1 / -0.33EasyVerb-Noun Agreement & Parts of SpeechVerbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Verb-Noun Agreement & Parts of Speech

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

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

Correct answer (A) (i) and (ii) Solution 1. The phrase "The number of..." is followed by a plural noun but takes a singular verb because it refers to the specific total count as a single unit. Therefore, "The number of candidates... is staggering" is correct. Sentence (i) is correct, and (iii) is incorrect. 2. The phrase "A number of..." is an idiomatic expression meaning 'many' or 'several' and is followed by a plural noun and a plural verb. Therefore, "A number of candidates... are appearing" is correct. Sentence (ii) is correct, and (iv) is incorrect. Thus, sentences (i) and (ii) are grammatically correct. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) (i) and (ii) Solution 1. The phrase "The number of..." is followed by a plural noun but takes a singular verb because it refers to the specific total count as a single unit. Therefore, "The number of candidates... is staggering" is correct. Sentence (i) is correct, and (iii) is incorrect. 2. The phrase "A number of..." is an idiomatic expression meaning 'many' or 'several' and is followed by a plural noun and a plural verb. Therefore, "A number of candidates... are appearing" is correct. Sentence (ii) is correct, and (iv) is incorrect. Thus, sentences (i) and (ii) are grammatically correct.

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