Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marrion]

A portion of the sample data are shown in Table2.19.
A major portion of the funds is set aside for an increased production of PhDs.

I am confused.. because I don't know whether "a portion of + plural nouns" is used with "singular verbs" or "plural verbs".

So I want to know the answers for my questions below.

[1] I want to know which verb "a (large, small, etc) portion of + plural nouns" is used with, "a singular verb" or "a plural verb".


[2] I want to know which verb "a (large, small, etc) portion of + countable singular nouns" is used with, "a singular verb" or "a plural verb".


[3] I want to know which verb "a (large, small, etc) portion of + uncountable singular nouns" is used with, "a singular verb" or "a plural verb".


Thank you in advance

[MrPedantic]

Hello Marrion

1) A singular verb: "A large portion of fish and chips was sitting on the plate".

2) Likewise: "A small portion of chips is more than enough for me".

3) And again: "A substantial portion of the data is corrupt".

MrP

[Marrion]

[1] So, Must I think that a (large, small, etc) portion of + plural nouns" must be used with "singular verbs"?



[2] Must "a (large, small, etc) portion of + countable singular nouns" be used with, "singular verbs"?


[3] Must "a (large, small, etc) portion of + uncountable singular nouns" be used with singular verbs"?

[MrPedantic]

Hello Marrion

Yes, "a portion of" should always be used with a singular verb.

Have a good Wednesday,
MrP

[Marrion]