ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: was or were?

Anonymous — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:30:26 GMT

Since "pictures" are countable objects, it's better to say "a significant number." This is treated as a plural subject, and the verb should be "were":

A significant number of these pictures were taken at the museum.

Use "amount" for something that has quantity, but is not counted as individual objects. If "amount" is the subject, then "was" is the correct verb, as you say. For example:

A significant amount of money was missing from my bank account.

I hope this helps!

Re: was or were?

Mister Micawber — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:43:22 GMT

.
Well first, 'amount' is wrong.

A significant number of these pictures were taken at the museum.

was or were?

Anonymous — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:40:53 GMT

Original sentence: "A significant amount of these pictures was taken at the museum."

Should it be "were" instead of was? I am treating "a significant amount" as the subject, hence using "was". Can someone please clarify for me?

Many thanks!