Singular and plural sentences

Question

A large number of rare paintings were sold last year.
A large number of rare paintings was sold last year.

Which one of the sentences above is the correct one? If I consider that the verb to sell refers to 'a large number', then the use of 'was' is correct. However, considering that it refers to 'rare paintings' then I should use 'were', right?
How should I proceed on my reasoning?

Earl David White · Accepted Answer

We are Mr. White's other 10th grade English class.
Our answer is:
a number vs. the number
The number of people we need to hire is thirteen.
A number of people have written in about this subject.

Earl David White · Answer

We are Mr. White's 10th grade English class.
We feel that if the subject were rare paintings,then it would be plural.
However there is a faction among us that believes that the subject ia a large number.
Our split:
14=Rare paintings
3 = a large number
11 are too scared to answer

Singular and plural sentences

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