0
Marold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

A wide variety is/are

"There are a wide variety of popular discontents which need discussing."

"There is a wide variety of popular discontents which need discussing."

What is a correct form and why?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

is The verb agrees with wide variety .

— RandomGuy

  • is The verb agrees with wide variety .
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
is

The verb agrees with wide variety.
0
0
Aspara GusThe verb agrees with wide variety.
Yes, I would agree on this point. But the reason why I asked this question stems from the fact that I took this sentence out of a reliable source - the Oxford dictionary.

I suggest that you take a look at this link:
0
0
On second thought, the plural form may be favored in BrE. As an American, I instinctively inclined toward the singular verb, which, in my opinion, is preferable when it comes before variety.

There are a variety of games. (awkward in AmE)
A variety of games are available. (sounds OK)
0
0
I share the same opinion. As far as I am concerned, I also incline to use it that way, or at least, I have seen it written like that a lot of times.

Thank you very much, I will stick to what you consider to be preferable!
0
0
MaroldThank you very much, I will stick to what you consider to be preferable!
No problem! I’m glad we were able to reach a conclusion!
0

Related Questions