a number of characteristics seems vs a number of characteristics seem

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A number of characteristics seems' is correct when 'a number' is considered as a singular unit, while 'a number of characteristics seem' is correct when 'characteristics' is considered as the subject. The choice between 'seems' and 'seem' depends on the interpretation of the subject in the sentence.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1014 views

This phrase is correct when 'a number' is considered as a singular unit.

"a number of characteristics seems"

This phrase is used when 'a number' is treated as a singular noun, and 'seems' agrees with this singular interpretation.

Examples:

A number of characteristics seems to be missing from the report.

Show examples from the web [+]

In your report you talk about animals and humans sharing a number of characteristics, not least being prone to the same diseases.
What interests me is he shows a number of characteristics like creativity curiosity, friendship that, frankly, have taken us by surprise.
There are a number of characteristics which distinguish these firms from large enterprises and which argue in favour of introducing simplified regulations.
Secondly, the draft decision proposes the adoption of a number of characteristics that must coincide in any political union if it is to be capable of fulfilling the mission described by Article 138a and thereby justify its status as a European party.
The current General Motors plan shares a number of characteristics with other restructuring plans prepared previously by General Motors itself and by other interested investors, and does so in certain key areas.
The proposed Consumer Rights Directive has a number of characteristics that could further distance EU consumer contract law from general contract law and make it fit into a scenario that could lead to a European Consumer Code.
The ad hoc payments possess a number of characteristics which distinguish them from the regular annual payments and argue against their classification as existing aid:
Question 5 on international cooperation raises a number of issues.
The Communication expresses a number of concerns about supplies.
A number of Dutch NGOs attended.
You have heard the views of a number of MEPs.
A number of further European Parliament changes is proposed.
A number of girls were killed and stored in barrels.
Falling would bruise a number of ribs.
The corresponding calculation contains a number of conservative estimates.
A number of conclusions emerged from this work.
That objective reflects a number of things.
This report embodies a number of contradictions.
MEPs made a number of recommendations.
The draft regulation also provides a number of private investment incentives.

Alternatives:

The number of characteristics seems

This phrase is correct when 'characteristics' is considered as the subject.

"a number of characteristics seem"

This phrase is used when 'characteristics' is the subject of the sentence, and 'seem' agrees with the plural subject.

Examples:

A number of characteristics seem to be important in this study.

Show examples from the web [+]

In your report you talk about animals and humans sharing a number of characteristics, not least being prone to the same diseases.
What interests me is he shows a number of characteristics like creativity curiosity, friendship that, frankly, have taken us by surprise.
There are a number of characteristics which distinguish these firms from large enterprises and which argue in favour of introducing simplified regulations.
Secondly, the draft decision proposes the adoption of a number of characteristics that must coincide in any political union if it is to be capable of fulfilling the mission described by Article 138a and thereby justify its status as a European party.
The current General Motors plan shares a number of characteristics with other restructuring plans prepared previously by General Motors itself and by other interested investors, and does so in certain key areas.
The proposed Consumer Rights Directive has a number of characteristics that could further distance EU consumer contract law from general contract law and make it fit into a scenario that could lead to a European Consumer Code.
The ad hoc payments possess a number of characteristics which distinguish them from the regular annual payments and argue against their classification as existing aid:
Question 5 on international cooperation raises a number of issues.
The Communication expresses a number of concerns about supplies.
A number of Dutch NGOs attended.
You have heard the views of a number of MEPs.
A number of further European Parliament changes is proposed.
A number of girls were killed and stored in barrels.
Falling would bruise a number of ribs.
The corresponding calculation contains a number of conservative estimates.
A number of conclusions emerged from this work.
That objective reflects a number of things.
This report embodies a number of contradictions.
MEPs made a number of recommendations.
The draft regulation also provides a number of private investment incentives.

Alternatives:

Several characteristics seem
Many characteristics seem
Numerous characteristics seem
Various characteristics seem

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a number of characteristics seems vs a number of characteristics seem

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