Choose the correct verbal combination to complete both clauses:
A number of financial analysts ________ market volatility, whereas the number of recorded bank insolvencies ________ surprisingly low.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. predict; is
Answer: predict; is. Why not the others: 'predicts; are' reverses both rules; 'predicts; is' incorrectly treats 'a number of' as singular; 'predict; are' incorrectly treats 'the number of' as plural.
- Step 1: Apply the rule for 'A number of': 'a number of' functions as an indefinite quantifier meaning 'several' or 'many', taking a plural verb ('predict').
- Step 2: Apply the rule for 'The number of': 'the number of' refers to the specific singular numerical value or metric itself, taking a singular verb ('is').
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