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NDA 2021 GAT · English · Fill in the Blanks · medium

The number of accidents ____ declined this year.

Single correct option

Fill in the blank with the most suitable option.
The number of accidents ____ declined this year.
  1. A. have
  2. B. are
  3. C. were
  4. D. has
Show answer and solution

Answer: (D) has

'The number of' takes a singular verb because the subject is 'number', not 'accidents'; contrast with 'a number of', which takes a plural verb. 'This year' calls for the present perfect, so 'has declined' is right, and the plural options are the trap.
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Original question written in the NDA 2021 GAT pattern and checked twice for the correct answer. Not an official question paper. How we write and check questions · Corrections policy · Report a mistake