"an increasing number of people is" vs "an increasing number of people are"

Question

"an increasing number of people is" vs "an increasing number of people are"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'An increasing number of people are' is used when referring to a plural subject, while 'an increasing number of people is' is used when referring to a singular subject. The choice between 'are' and 'is' depends on whether the emphasis is on the individuals within the group or the group as a whole.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole. 'Is' is the singular form of the verb 'to be.'

Alternatives:

A growing number of people is
A larger number of people is
More and more people is
An increasing number of individuals is

This phrase is used when the emphasis is on the individuals within the group. 'Are' is the plural form of the verb 'to be.'

Alternatives:

A growing number of people are
A larger number of people are
More and more people are
An increasing number of individuals are

Answer 1

an increasing number of people is

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular subject.

Answer 2

an increasing number of people are

This phrase is correct when referring to a plural subject.

"an increasing number of people is" vs "an increasing number of people are"

an increasing number of people is

an increasing number of people are

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