When number is preceded by the indefinite article a, it is treated as plural:
- A number of ice cream flavours are available at the coffee shop.
- A number of homes and shops in Lower West Pubnico’s Historic Acadian Village show how Acadia’s pioneers lived.
When number is preceded by the definite article the, it is treated as singular:
- The number of available flavours is quite astounding.
- The number of people who visit the village each year varies.
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