GATE Mechanical 2021 Set 2 | GA Question: 2

Question

Consider the following sentences:

1. The number of candidates who appear for the $\text{GATE}$ examination is staggering.
2. A number of candidates from my class are appearing for the $\text{GATE}$ examination.
3. The number of candidates who appear for the $\text{GATE}$ examination are staggering.
4. A number of candidates from my class is appearing for the $\text{GATE}$ examination.

Which of the above sentences are grammatically $\text{CORRECT}$?

• A. $\text{(i) and (ii)}$
• B. $\text{(i) and (iii)}$
• C. $\text{(ii) and (iii)}$
• D. $\text{(ii) and (iv)}$

Answer 1

“The number of candidates” is singular and refers to the actual number. So, “is staggering” is correct.

“A number of candidates” is plural as here the number refers to a group of possibilities (from $\{1,2,3,4,\dots n\})$ and is hence plural. So, “are appearing” is correct.

Correct option: A.