Which one is correct?
"there are a large number of persons" or "there is a large number of persons"?

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there are a large number of persons

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate the existence of a large number of people. The verb 'are' agrees with the plural noun 'persons.'

Examples:

  • There are a large number of persons waiting in line.
  • There are a large number of persons interested in the event.
  • There are a large number of persons attending the conference.
  • There are a large number of persons involved in the project.
  • There are a large number of persons present at the meeting.

Alternatives:

  • There is a large number of people.
  • There are many individuals.
  • There are numerous individuals.
  • There are a lot of people.
  • There are plenty of individuals.

there is a large number of persons

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase can also be used to indicate the existence of a large number of people, but the verb 'is' does not agree with the plural noun 'persons.'

Examples:

  • There is a large number of persons waiting in line.
  • There is a large number of persons interested in the event.
  • There is a large number of persons attending the conference.
  • There is a large number of persons involved in the project.
  • There is a large number of persons present at the meeting.

Alternatives:

  • There is a large number of people.
  • There are many individuals.
  • There are numerous individuals.
  • There are a lot of people.
  • There are plenty of individuals.
Both phrases are technically correct, but 'there are a large number of persons' is more commonly used in English. The use of 'are' agrees with the plural noun 'persons.'

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

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