Should it be "there is a variety of homes" instead?

English as a Second Language What do you want to talk about?
1

“I was searching online for my first home for about three months, and while there are a variety of homes online, [there isn’t much of] a choice when you don’t have a lot of money. So you filter by cost and there’s only like five [options], so you just choose one of the five,” shares the bubbly trainer.

Should it be “there is a variety of homes” instead?

Thanks!

2 Likes
2

“A variety of” is a similar construction to “a number of” and they both should be treated as a plural:

1 Like
3

In my view, what you want to focus on will determine the number of the verb. For instance, if you look at the variety rather than the home, your use of ‘is’ is convincing.

But rationally speaking, we most often focus on each home among a variety of homes.

So we can have either.

  1. There is ‘a variety’ of homes.
  2. There are a variety of ‘homes’.

(I’d prefer the plural unless I’m very specific)

2 Likes
4

I would prefer “there are a variety of homes”.

There are homes (a variety of them).

“There is a variety” is commonly used also. Most people would not even notice which one was used.

Now that I think about it, “there are a variety” is somewhat of a tongue twister when said orally. “There is a variety” or “There’s a variety” alternates air and stop sounds, so it flows more easily.

2 Likes