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Englishnewbie Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

a total of

hello,
I asked this question before and I am still having difficulty understanding it clearly.

A total of 10 cars ARE available (I know this is correct.)

There ARE/IS a total of 10 cars available.

The answer I got was "IS."

Can someone explain the reason for this clearly?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

englishnewbie Can someone explain the reason for this clearly? , making the verb agree with the closest noun. A total of 10 cars are available.

— CalifJim

  • englishnewbie Can someone explain the reason for this clearly?
  • , making the verb agree with the closest noun.
  • A total of 10 cars are available.
  • There is a total of 10 cars available.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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englishnewbieCan someone explain the reason for this clearly?
Whoever is answering you is applying the principle of proximity, i.e., making the verb agree with the closest noun.

A total of 10 cars are available.
There is a total of 10 cars available.

CJ
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