a large number has vs a large number have

The correct phrase is 'a large number has.' In this case, 'number' is considered singular, so it should be followed by 'has.'

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 2108 views

This phrase is correct. 'Number' is considered singular in this context.

"a large number has"

Use 'a large number has' when referring to a singular entity, such as a large group or quantity.

Examples:

A large number has been reported missing.
A large number has shown interest in the event.
A large number has already signed up for the workshop.
A large number has gathered outside the building.
A large number has been affected by the new policy.

Show examples from the web [+]

The economic situation of a large number of companies has deteriorated in recent years, even leading to many of them going out of business.
Indeed, in a large number of cases it has been shown that concern for the functioning of the internal market takes precedence over consumers' interests.
It is clear that the situation described here, which has already resulted in a large number of victims, has highly explosive social consequences.
This devastating quake has claimed a large number of victims and has created extremely difficult conditions for those who have been affected by it, especially in Sichuan Province.
Austria, a country situated at the heart of Europe with a large number of borders, has put up a lot of these signs.
A large number of metabolites has been identified in human plasma (47 metabolites), urine (> 100 metabolites), and faeces (25 metabolites).
Even though the rapporteur, Mr Jarzembowski, has met with a large number of people and has included a number of proposed improvements, the situation, the fundamental problem remains.
The protracted presence of a large number of Syrian refugees has not caused an energy shortage in Jordan, just amplified the chronic problem of energy scarcity in Jordan.
Has this meant that a particularly large number of jobs has been created in Germany?
This European activity targets a large number of countries.
During those terrible days and nights, a very large number of homes were destroyed, together with schools, medical facilities and a large number of churches.
Though a large number of men have been dispatched north.
A large number of our customers are children.
We are investing in people in primary education in a large number of countries.
The Committee on Budgets has a large number of questions regarding these figures.
And a large number of people will believe it never happened.
Dr. Saroyan, I'm finding a large number of micro-fractures on the bones.
This could be developed and provide a large number of new jobs.
In most countries a large number of students are accommodated in spare rooms.
The annual programmes are very ambitious and contain a large number of measures carried over from previous years.

Alternatives:

a large number of people have
many have
a significant number has
a considerable number has
a substantial number has

This phrase is incorrect. 'Number' is singular in this context and should be followed by 'has.'

"a large number have"

Show examples from the web [+]

A large number have been seriously injured or are suffering from the mental stress caused by military service.
Though a large number of men have been dispatched north.
It is also unfortunate that a large number of programmes have been put in the so-called performance reserve.
A large number of initiatives have also been undertaken.
It is therefore particularly welcome that a large number of countries have subscribed to this agreement.
A large number of people therefore have a responsibility for toy safety.
A large number of Erasmus students have an economic status above the average for their country.
A large number of Slovak nationals have already joined the second pillar.
A large number of diverse NGOs have been founded during the course of the programme.
Over the years, a large number of our services have developed regular dialogue with stakeholders.
Finally, a large number of petitions have been tabled concerning infringement of the right of residence.
A large number of projects have begun under this programme, including measures in the field of transport infrastructure.
As a result, a large number of instructors have lost their jobs, although the state had initially invested a lot of money in them.
A large number of these have been approved by the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market in the debate on the McCarthy report.
Madam President, we are now discussing this directive for the second time this year, and once again, a large number of amendments have been tabled.
There have fortunately been many protests from the American people, and a large number of Democrats have rejected the logic of inevitable war.
Today, a large number of countries have still not adopted the draft directive on equal treatment for people subject to discrimination.
A large number of delegations have also expressed a strong wish to give law enforcement agencies access to the Eurodac database.
A large number of amendments have been tabled to your proposal to eliminate current market arrangements and replace them with a menu for national envelopes.
A large number of colleagues have spoken, and it would take at least one more working day to reply to each one.

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a large number has vs a large number have

"a large number has"

"a large number have"

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