The Correct Verb Form for 'A Growing Number of People'

Understanding the correct verb form to use with the phrase 'a growing number of people' can be a bit confusing for many writers. This guide will explore the nuances and provide clarity on whether to use a singular or plural verb with this phrase.

Which One is Grammatically Correct?

The grammatically correct phrase is “A growing number of people are reluctant”. However, it is essential to understand the underlying grammatical rules to ensure proper usage in different contexts.

Usage Notes and Examples

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the collective noun 'number' can take either a singular or a plural verb. The choice depends on the context and the article preceding the noun.

Singular Verb Usage

When the definite article 'the' precedes the noun, the verb takes a singular form. For example:

The number of skilled workers is increasing.

This sentence demonstrates that the singular form of the verb is appropriate when referring to the overall count or total of a group of people or objects.

Plural Verb Usage

When the indefinite article 'a' precedes the noun, the verb takes a plural form. An example provided in The Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition, p. 488) illustrates this point:

A number of expressions are almost always abbreviated and may be used without first spelling them out.

In this case, 'a number of' is used to indicate many or several individuals or elements. Therefore, the plural verb 'are' is necessary.

Additional Context and Examples

The article that precedes the mass noun (e.g., 'the' or 'a') signals whether the mass noun or the number of the noun in the prepositional phrase controls the number of the verb. As mentioned in The Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition, p. 205), 'the number of' can refer to the count of individuals, often using a plural verb, while 'a number' can indicate a specific instance. Here is an example:

The number on the door is hard to read.

In this sentence, 'number' refers to a specific identifier on the door, so the singular verb form is used.

Similarly, in the context of music:

The musical number I'm going to play is "I Can't Get Started".

Here, 'musical number' refers to a specific song or portion of a performance, thus using the singular form of the verb.

Variations and Common Pitfalls

Serveral variations of the phrase 'a growing number of people' can be seen, such as:

A growing number of people are reluctant The growing number of people is correct

In the first sentence, 'are' is the correct plural verb because the phrase is referring to a growing number of individuals - each of whom may be reluctant for different reasons. In the second sentence, 'is' would be correct if the sentence were phrased as 'The growing number of people is reluctant'. This indicates that the whole number itself is being described as reluctant, which is less common and typically used in different contexts.

Summary

To summarize, the phrase 'a growing number of people' is considered a collective noun that refers to many individuals, thus requiring a plural verb. On the other hand, 'the growing number of people' is considered a single entity, hence requiring a singular verb. This distinction is crucial for maintaining grammatical correctness in your writing.

Remember, the choice of verb can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your message. Mastering the use of 'a growing number of people' or 'the growing number of people' can help you communicate more precisely and accurately in your writing.