Search from various English teachers...
Kate
just grammar could you tell what the correct variant is There is a number of ways or There are a number of ways Thank you)
Jun 16, 2015 7:29 AM
Answers · 3
2
There are a number of ways. This is the right option because you are talking about more than one thing.
June 16, 2015
1
To add to the previous answer: according to Hugh Dellar, some people tend to say 'there's' even with plural nouns especially when they use 'a lot': there's a lot of rain, there's a lot of policemen just because it's quicker ans easier than 'there are a lot of'. However, you'll be penalised for that in exams.
June 16, 2015
In informal speech, many native speakers would say 'There's a number of ways'. This is easier to say than the plural form, and it sounds natural. I use this form myself in relaxed speech. It also makes some sense grammatically, too, because of the singular noun 'number'. It's like saying 'There's a lot of...'. It really doesn't sound too wrong to the native speaker's ear. That said, the more grammatically correct form is 'There are a number of ways', and if you are doing a grammar exercise or writing a formal text, you should use the plural verb form.
June 16, 2015
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!