We often get confused in a complex sentence whether to use singular verb or a plural verb. When in a sentence "a number" appears then the verb would be plural. But when in a sentence "the number" appears, singular verb is used.
"A number" takes a plural verb, but "the number" takes a singular verb.
Refer to the examples given below.
Sample Usage
Right: A number of people were delighted because the number of edits was so low.
Wrong: A number of people was delighted because the number of edits was so low.
Wrong: A number of people were delighted because the number of edits were so low.
Right: A number of people were happy to see in the newspaper that the number of accidents was so less.
Wrong: A number of people was happy to see in the newspaper that the number of accidents was so less.
Wrong: A number of people were happy to see in the newspaper that the number of accidents were so less.
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