Which two of the following four options would you recommend?

a)      That is a lot of knives.

b)      Those are a lot of knives.

c)       A lot of knives is in the drawer.

d)      A lot of knives are in the drawer.

 

My ear recommends a) and d), but my brain is struggling to explain the principle that governs this usage question.

 

Your insights are welcome,

 

Steve Benton, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of English and Languages

East Central University

[log in to unmask]