There are a limited number of available shirts.

I prefer the first. The subject is logically plural, and I prefer not to get hung up on the fact that "a number" is grammatically singular. Others may take a different view.

Thanks, Mr. Wordy, but is the second sentence incorrect?

Tom

Hi Tom

Here is a general rule of thumb:

- a number of (plural noun) are --> i.e. typically used with a plural verb

- the number of (plural noun) is --> i.e. typically used with a singular verb

No, not in my view, in fact I believe it to be the correct version. By inserting the word number, the plurality of the shirts becomes irrelevant as we are now focusing on the singular word: number.

The word number would have to be plural as in "there are limited numbers of available shirts", for are to be correct.

- In fact inserting

Thanks, Anonymous, I respect your point of view, BUT, do you think that the input given by the two native speakers could be misleading/wrong? I do NOT think so.

Tom

Mr. TomThanks, Mr. Wordy, but is the second sentence incorrect?

In my view, no.

Mr. TomThanks, Mr. Wordy, but is the second sentence incorrect?

Tom


Anonymous, yesterday 6:06 pm

No, not in my view, in fact I believe it to be the correct version. By inserting the word number, the plurality of the shirts becomes irrelevant as we are now focusing on t

For native speakers, it is very obvious that: "There are a limited number of shirts available"

For an explanation of the singular/plural issue, see: http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutgrammar/numberofpeople

ML

Thanks for the link, Anon. Oxford's view on this bit of grammar reflects what I mentioned earlier in this thread.

In this case you are referring to number, not as the word, i.e. the number nine, but as in numerous. There were a number of people at the show. If there was only one shirt/option, you would not even be using the word "number", you would say there is one option/shirt that you can buy. "A number of" indicates plural, so are is correct.