Should I use was or were here?
A huge number of packages was/were (?) delivered. Which is correct?
35 answers from our tutors
Best answer
A huge number of packages was delivered.
I/he/she/it was you/we/they were
Was here, for example “My friend was here earlier”is the correct term. If we are talking about a delivery we would say “A huge number of packages were delivered”.
Check your English level for free
Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English
Start test
The noun in this sentence that will decide the number in the verb is NUMBER. As such, you would use WAS. The other words in the word group "A huge number of packages" are not important. If you try it with any other noun that is singular, you will see it. You can also see that the word will be WAS because your sentence starts with A, the article for when there is only one of something. A number. Even though "a number of something" implies there are multiple items, grammar remains the same. A huge BEAR was delivered. A huge BASKET of berries was delivered. One basket of many berries. As opposed to: Many PACKAGES were delivered.
The correct answer in this phrase is were. Therefore, it will be: A huge number of packages were delivered
A huge number of packages were delivered.
We use 'I was here' and not 'I were here' because the subject of a sentence must agree with its verb. A singular subject works well with a singular verb and vice versa.
“Were“ because of packages
were delivered
You should use "were" over here!
A huge number of packages were delivered.
Other student questions
Best answer
Using games and songs makes learning enjoyable and helps with vocabulary and pronunciation.
