In Numbers^x, Invitations^x

Hi Incho Besides Cambridge Advanced Dictionary, which states that "A large number of invitations has been sent" is correct, I cannot find this version in the English usage books that I have. I wonder whether the dictionary has made a typing mistake. I'm not saying I'm better than the...

Dawnstorm wrote:To me, it means that, while both versions are acceptable, you'll find the latter more often on formal occasions (speeches, official publications...). It's a statement about situational appropriateness, rather than grammatical "correctness". But the effect is slight.Btw, none of...

Hi ".A large number of invitations have been sent.A large number of invitations has been sent. (slightly formal)" a number of means several and is a quantifier that modifies the subject invitations in the above sentences. My question is: "A large number of invitations has been sent." In...

CalifJim wrote:Strange, perhaps, but:a number of Xs is plural.the number of Xs is singular.CJ IK: "A number of invitations has -- grammatical concord" CJ: "this is not a true case of grammatical vs. notional concord, because we'd have to say here that the 'ungrammatical' version is always the...

A number of invitations have been sent. Which is the subject here, CJ?

A number of invitations have -- a number of -- have the notion of severalThe number of invitations has -- the number -- have the notion of one number A number of invitations has -- grammatical concord A number of invitations have -- notional concord The number of invitations has --...

A number of invitations haveThe number of invitations has(from "Advanced grammar in use" Cambridge University Press)

Yoong Liat wrote: A large number of invitations has / have been sent. Should 'has' or 'have' be used? It depends on whether we want notional, or grammatical concord. http://www.bartleby.com/68/28/4128.html grammatical concord means number is singular, thus the verb has is singular

Inchoateknowledge: «I beg your pardon?» Me: This shouldn't be a question, right? Mister Micawber wrote: «Use the plural if you are conceiving of the several members: our staff do not feel well-informed. Use the singular if you are speaking of the body: Microsoft's staff is...

YoHf wrote: Diamondrg wrote: "a number of" means "several" Several number of invitations, then? That makes no sense to me. Diamondrg has hit the nail on the head. It makes no sense because your are not substituting correctly. a number of = several.a number of invitations=several...