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Hexapoda Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

A growing number of soldiers vs A growing numbers of...

Is it grammatically correct to say:

" A growing numbers of Iraqi soldiers are becoming dependant on alcohol..."

Shouldn't it be, " A growing number of...." instead of "numbers" ?

If the sentence is correct, then is there any difference in meaning between the two?

Thank you in advance Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

"A growing number" is correct in this case. The article "a" is singular, so the noun (number) should also be singular. "Growing numbers" would also work but the meaning would be less clear and probably less proper; it would sound like you were trying to inflate or vaguely fib through what you're trying to say.

— WBTtheFROG

  • "A growing number" is correct in this case.
  • The article "a" is singular, so the noun (number) should also be singular.
  • "Growing numbers" would also work but the meaning would be less clear and probably less proper; it would sound like you were trying to inflate or vaguely fib through what you're trying to say.
  • "A growing number" sounds like something you can back up with data if needed.
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1 Answers
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"A growing number" is correct in this case. The article "a" is singular, so the noun (number) should also be singular.
"Growing numbers" would also work but the meaning would be less clear and probably less proper; it would sound like you were trying to inflate or vaguely fib through what you're trying to say. "A growing number" sounds like something you can back up with data if needed.
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