Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hela]

Dear teachers,

We say :
a)a small number of people are here
b) the number of people is...

Is it the same thing with the word "majority"?
a) a majority of people are
b) the majority of people is ?

Many thanks,
Hela

[CP]

a)a small number of people are here
Incorrect. Should be "a small number of people is here" because "number" is singular. It makes no difference what comes after "of."

b) the number of people is...
Correct.

Is it the same thing with the word "majority"?
a) a majority of people are
Incorrect. "Majority" is singular, so use "is."

b) the majority of people is ?
Correct.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Lorikeet]

I understand what you've said, but I bet we would hear, "The majority of the people think...." and not "The majority of the people thinks..." Likewise, "A majority of Americans are interested in...." more than "A majority of Americans is interested in..."

As for "a number", here's a link I found:

http://grammarsucks.com/a-number-the-number-isare.htm

[rice07]

Hi
Here I've got some information from a book for reference.

Many singular quantifying expressions can be used with plural nouns and pronouns; plural verbs are normally used in this case.

A number of people have tried to find the treasure,but they have all failed.( More natural than A number of people has tried...)

A group of us are going to take a boat through the French canals.

Acouple of my friends plan to open a travel agency.(Not A couple of my friends plans...)

A lot of social problems are caused by unemployment.(Not A lot of social problems is caused...)

The majority of criminals are non-violent.

Some of these people are relations and the rest are old friends.

Half of his students don't understand a word he says.(Not Half of his students doesn't ...)[/b][/u]

[2006]

[quote="CP"]a)a small number of people are here
Incorrect. Should be "a small number of people is here" because "number" is singular. It makes no difference what comes after "of." I disagree! The choice of verb with "number" depends on the meaning of the sentence. A small number of people are here. (plural subject..a small number of people)
b) the number of people is... (for example) smaller than I expected.
Correct. I agree. (singular subject...the number)

Is it the same thing with the word "majority"?
a) a majority of people are
Incorrect. I disagree. "Majority" is singular, so use "is." No, here the subject is plural..a majority of people.

b) the majority of people is ?
Correct. I disagree; again there is a plural subject.
But 'The majority is in favor of the proposal.' is correct. (singular subject..majority)

[hela]

Thank you all for your answers.

a) The majority of judges are in your favour.
b) The majority of the judges is/are (?) in your favour.

c) The staff was relieved when the students obeyed the new rule. (collective noun?)

d) The staff have gone home. (many individuals?)

Many thanks,
Hela

[asterix]

I agree with CP.
The difficult parts of English grammar get "dumbed down" nowadays, but you might as well learn the correct way.