The number of applicants ___ increasing.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: The number of applicants is increasing. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
A number of applicants ___ withdrawn.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: have
Completed sentence: A number of applicants have withdrawn. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Each of the reports ___ a summary.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: contains
Completed sentence: Each of the reports contains a summary. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Neither the assistants nor the manager ___ available.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: Neither the assistants nor the manager is available. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Ten kilometres ___ a long way to walk in this heat. (one distance)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: Ten kilometres is a long way to walk in this heat. (one distance) Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.