"A number of roses are" vs "A number of roses is"

Question

"A number of roses are" vs "A number of roses is"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A number of roses are' is used when referring to the roses themselves, while 'a number of roses is' is used when referring to the quantity of roses. The choice between 'is' and 'are' depends on whether the emphasis is on the individual items or the collective quantity.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase is used when the emphasis is on the individual roses. 'Are' is the plural form of the verb 'to be' and agrees with the plural noun 'roses.'

Examples:

A number of roses are blooming in the garden.
A number of roses are red and pink.
A number of roses are being sold at the market.
A number of roses are planted in the backyard.
A number of roses are wilting in the heat.

Alternatives:

Several roses are
Many roses are
Numerous roses are
Plenty of roses are
Lots of roses are

This phrase is used when the emphasis is on the quantity of roses. 'Is' is the singular form of the verb 'to be' and agrees with the singular noun 'number.'

Examples:

A number of roses is required for the bouquet.
A number of roses is a good gift for Valentine's Day.
A number of roses is too expensive for me.
A number of roses is all we need for the event.
A number of roses is growing in the garden.

Alternatives:

The quantity of roses is
The total number of roses is
The amount of roses is
The sum of roses is
The figure of roses is

Answer 1

A number of roses are

This phrase is correct when referring to the roses themselves.

Answer 2

A number of roses is

This phrase is correct when referring to the quantity of roses.

"A number of roses are" vs "A number of roses is"

A number of roses are

A number of roses is

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