<span style="background-color:rgb(249,249,249);">I'm not sure which of the following is correct:</span><br/><br/><span style="background-color:rgb(249,249,249);">#1. A pile of bricks is near the steps.</span><br/><p><span style="background-color:rgb(249,249,249);">#2. A pile of bricks are near the steps.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgb(249,249,249);">Thanks.</span></p>