Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
Over the last five years, the number of college-going girls in our village ______ doubled.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → has
Subject-verb agreement with “the number of”:
- “The number of” means one count, so it takes a singular verb.
- The subject is “the number”, not “girls”. “Over the last five years” shows an action that goes on up to now. So the verb is has.
- Complete sentence: Over the last five years, the number of college-going girls in our village has doubled.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: have — Incorrect. “Have” is plural, but the subject “the number” is singular. Example: Many girls have joined the new college.
Option 2: had — Incorrect. “Had doubled” shows an action finished before another past time. “Over the last five years” goes on up to now. Example: The bus had left before we reached the stop.
Option 4: is — Incorrect. “Is doubled” does not show an action that has gone on up to now (“over the last five years”). Example: The number of seats is small.