noun
1
BAD : The number of heavy smokers are decreasing.
GOOD : The number of heavy smokers is decreasing.
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the number of ... + singular verb: 'The number of people claiming unemployment benefit has risen by 5 per cent in the last three months.'
2
BAD : A large number of cars was parked outside the school.
GOOD : A large number of cars were parked outside the school.
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a number of ... + plural verb: 'A number of viewers have complained about the excessive violence in the film.'
3
BAD : Harsher punishments will not reduce the number of crime.
GOOD : Harsher punishments will not reduce the number of crimes.
GOOD : Harsher punishments will not reduce the amount of crime.
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See note at AMOUNT 1 (↑ amount )
4
BAD : In England I met a big number of women in senior positions.
GOOD : In England I met a large number of women in senior positions.
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a large/considerable number (NOT big ): 'A large number of fatal accidents are caused by drunken drivers.'