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is / are a total

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Yoong Liat
 
Reply Thu 3 Jan, 2008 09:43 am
There is /are a total of nine books.

I'd use 'are'. Am I correct?

Many thanks.
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Type: Discussion • Score: 1 • Views: 361 • Replies: 2
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wandeljw
 
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Reply Thu 3 Jan, 2008 10:08 am
"Are" sounds correct because you are thinking of the noun "books". However, the actual subject of the sentence is "total" which is singular and requires the verb "is".
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Cyracuz
 
  1  
Reply Thu 3 Jan, 2008 10:36 am
yep.

There is a total amount of books.
There are many books.

Substitute books with money, another singular requiring is.

There is a total amount of money.
There is much money...
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