Choose the correct: 'The number of students ___ growing.'

**The reasoning** This tests **subject-verb agreement with collective expressions**. The phrase "the number of" is the key here. Though "students" is plural, it's not the actual subject — "number" is. Look at the structure: "The **number** (of students) ___ growing." "Number" is a singular noun, so it takes a singular verb. Therefore: "The number... **is** growing." Compare this with "A number of students **are** coming" — here "a number of" means "several/many," making the verb plural. But "**the** number" refers to a specific amount, which is singular. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A) are** — You're thinking "students are," focusing on the plural noun nearby instead of the actual subject "number." - **C) be** — This isn't conjugated; you need a proper present tense verb. - **D) were** — Wrong tense (past) and wrong number (plural). Double trap! **Quick takeaway** "**The** number of [plural noun]" always takes **is/was** (singular); "**A** number of [plural noun]" takes **are/were** (plural). The word before "number" decides everything!