The number of applications received this year _______ exceeded all previous records.
4
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
have
B
were
C
are
D
has
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement with "the number of."
- Context clues: "The number" is the subject (singular).
- Meaning: "The number of" takes a singular verb; "a number of" takes a plural verb.
- Verify: "The number... has exceeded" correctly matches the singular subject.
💡 Strategy: "The number of" = singular; "A number of" = plural.
Choice A is incorrect because "have" is plural. Choice B is incorrect because "were" is plural. Choice C is incorrect because "are" is plural.