there is a small number vs there are a small number

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'There is a small number' is used when you are referring to a singular small number. 'There are a small number' is used when you are referring to multiple small numbers.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 21, 2025 • 5026 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular small number.

"there is a small number "

Use 'there is a small number' when you are talking about one small number. The verb 'is' agrees with the singular noun 'number'.

Examples:

There is a small number of people attending the event.

Show examples from the web [+]

Article 45 falsely states that in the Eastern European Member States, there is a small number of immigrants.
In legal terms, therefore, the provisions of the Rules of Procedure governing the composition of the Conference of Presidents should not be tailored exclusively to a situation in which there is a small number of non-attached Members.
There is a small number of infected premises for which no clear origin has yet been established.
There is a small number of courageous people who, at risk to their own lives, are fighting for democracy and human dignity.
There is only a very small number of chemicals about which consumers can find out information - and only after going through a lengthy individual process.
There is a large number of small enterprises in this sector which the Romanian authorities have found difficult to control.
Haematuria/ proteinuria occurred in a small number of patients.
A small number of girls were pulled from the main group.
Except for a small number of cases that stand out.
A small number of powerful men.
A small number of humans went with the Quetzal Coatl underneath the ground.
Contained within this vacuum chamber are a small number of atoms.
It's a small number of pills in an incredibly low dose.
Once there was a small number of well-trained professionals who championed their country's cause.
There may have been a small number of humans.
It's a small number of pills in an incredibly low dose.
However, these phenomena were limited to a small number of farms.
The information currently available suggests that these phenomena were limited to a small number of farms.
Children Leukaemia has been reported in a small number of children treated with somatropin.
There have been a small number of post-marketing case reports of intentional overdose with anagrelide.

Alternatives:

There is a small number of students in the class.

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple small numbers.

"there are a small number "

Use 'there are a small number' when you are talking about more than one small number. The verb 'are' agrees with the plural noun 'number'.

Examples:

There are a small number of errors in the report.

Show examples from the web [+]

Inevitably, there are a small number of technical adjustments that I hereby request be put to the vote in plenary.
Inevitably, there are a small number of technical adjustments that I hereby request to be put to the vote in plenary.
Although there are a small number of points where, arguably, the Common Position still could be improved, your rapporteur's overriding concern is to have this new, reinforced regulatory framework in place as soon as possible.
In addition, in some countries there are a small number of other institutions classified as MFIs; however, these institutions are insignificant from a quantitative perspective.
There are a small number of areas where you rapporteur proposes amendments.
There are a small number of scientists who think differently.
There are a small number of on-going uses of PFOS substances in Photo Imaging.
In addition, in some countries there are a small number of other institutions classified as MFIs;
Our Legal Service has asked us to state that there are still a small number of purely linguistic and technical variations between the texts adopted by the Council and the text recommended for adoption today.
There are, however, a small number of areas where your rapporteur is not completely satisfied with the Common Position, and has proposed amendments.
There are currently only a small number of indicators available at regional level that have been harmonized: GDP, employment, unemployment and population data.
There are a very small number of SMEs throughout Europe that continue this traditional art, mainly in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Portugal and the UK.
There are always a small number of people - and we have to recognise that this normally is a very small number of people - holding the vast majority to ransom at the barrel of a gun or the threat of the bomb.
There are a large number of small firms in the dairy sector too.
Majesty, there are a number of small monastic institutions I have had cause to investigate.
In Northern Ireland there are a number of small businesses that depend on the right to produce spare parts.
Contained within this vacuum chamber are a small number of atoms.
Haematuria/ proteinuria occurred in a small number of patients.
There is a small number of infected premises for which no clear origin has yet been established.
A small number of girls were pulled from the main group.

Alternatives:

There are a small number of books on the shelf.

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there is a small number vs there are a small number

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