<p>What is wrong with this sentence?</p>
<p>A number of scientists have become worried about global warming.</p>
<p>According to the PR book, the answer is No error. I would disagree and say that since "number" is singular, the verb "have" should be "has"</p>
<p>Anybody else see this question or can give me an explanation for the PR answer?</p>
<p>thanks in advance</p>
<p>I'm not 100% sure, but here's what I believe:</p>
<p>"A number of scientists" is considered to be plural. Why? Because you don't know HOW MANY exactly are there. This is difficult to explain, but whenever you are unsure in English about numbers, you normally use plural. I know you're thinking "number" is a collective noun, but it's not. </p>
<p>For example:
[quote]
One or two boys were playing baseball.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>
[quote]
How many of you have been drinking?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>
[quote]
Less than two men are in the room.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Notice that in the last, even though less than two probably means ONE, it can also mean zero. So again we use the plural as there is uncertainty.</p>
<p>Maybe someone can come up with a better explanation.</p>
<p>This also confises me. Like if you use fractions. </p>
<p>One fourth of the people here are brunettes. </p>
<p>Soundsvery weird.</p>