Multiple choice

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

There is a number of people who, although they cannot be said to have experienced in a full sense any works of art, have undoubtedly the impelling desire which a little direction may lead on to a fuller appreciation.

  1. There is a number of people who, although they cannot be said to have experienced in a full sense any works of art,

  2. Large numbers of people who, cannot be said to have experienced in a full sense any works of art,

  3. There are many people who, cannot though be said to have experienced in a full sense any works of art,

  4. There are a number of people who, cannot though be said to have experienced in a full sense any works of art,

  5. Numbers of people who, although they cannot be said to have experienced in a full sense any works of art,
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): The phrase 'a number of' takes a plural verb. Also, the verb 'have' in the non-underlined portion requires a plural subject. 

Explanation for (2): 'Numbers of' is incorrect usage. Further the omission of 'though' changes the emphasis of the sentence. 

Explanation for (3): Though grammatically correct, the option unnecessarily changes 'a number of' to 'many'. 
Justification for (4): The phrase 'a number of' takes a plural verb; therefore, 'there are'. Further, this option removes the repetitive 'they' after 'who'.  Explanation for (5): This option introduces - 'numbers of' which is an incorrect phrase.

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