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Jnhefner Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

is or are

Although diesel engines still power most of the heavy-duty transit 
buses in the United States, many major cities are also operating fleets 
where a significant percentage of buses is powered by lean-burn natural 
gas engines.

Shouldn't "of buses is" be "of buses are"

I know that percentage is singular, but isn't the whole emphasis about buses?
  

Top answer

Jnhefner Although diesel engines still power most of the heavy-duty transit buses in the United States, many major cities are also operating fleets where a significant percentage of buses is powered by lean-burn natural gas engines. Shouldn't "of buses is" be "of buses are" I know that percentage is singular, but isn't the whole emphasis about buses? No - it is the significant percentage that is powered.

— Feebs11

  • Jnhefner Although diesel engines still power most of the heavy-duty transit buses in the United States, many major cities are also operating fleets where a significant percentage of buses is powered by lean-burn natural gas engines.
  • Shouldn't "of buses is" be "of buses are" I know that percentage is singular, but isn't the whole emphasis about buses?
  • No - it is the significant percentage that is powered.
  • The buses are incidental.
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3 Answers
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Jnhefner
Although diesel engines still power most of the heavy-duty transit 
buses in the United States, many major cities are also operating fleets 
where a significant percentage of buses is powered by lean-burn natural 
gas engines.

Shouldn't "of buses is" be "of buses are"

I know that percentage is singular, but isn't the whole emphas
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Then why not simply leave out the "of buses" that would make more sense.
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You will have to ask the author.
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