A total of 431 hectors (was/ were)?

Question

It is really difficult to match a noun to a proper form of a verb. The below noun has a plural form but they say that it should have a singular form of a verb. Why is that? Can you give me an explanation with some examples? Thank you.

A total of 431 hectors was destroyed.

Nef · Accepted Answer

Jisu98
It is really difficult to match a noun to a proper form of a verb. The below noun has a plural form but they say that it should have a singular form of a verb. Why is that? Can you give me an explanation with some examples? Thank you.

A total of 431 hectors was destroyed.

I think the reason is that "TOTAL" is the main subject, and "of 431 hectors" just gives more information about what the total is (describes the total). There is only one total ("a total").

Examples:

A group of eight people is already here. (eight people, but only one GROUP)

A flock of birds was flying near the water. (birds, but only one FLOCK)

The class with new students is learning Spanish. (students, but only one CLASS)

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Hectors or hectares?

Jisu98 · Answer

Thank you. If I want to read more about in a grammar book, what word should I look up?  I mean I tried to find in a grammar book index. But  I was not sure which grammar term I had to look up. So, if you know, please let me know.  Thank you.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

A small note.

It's A total of 431 hectares was destroyed. Not 'hectors'.

Best wishes, Clive

A total of 431 hectors (was/ were)?

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