用單數(視為整體)或復數(考慮其個體)均可。如以下各例均摘自英語詞典：　　

A whole host of difficulties has [have] arisen. 出現了一大堆的困難。　　

An array of problems are [is] in front of us. 我們面前是一大堆問題。　　

A company of travelers is [are] expected to arrive soon. 一批游客很快就到。　　

A group of girls was [were] waiting at the school gate. 一群女孩子在校門口等著。　　

A variety of reasons were [was] offered for the long delay. 為這次長時間的耽擱提供了各種各樣的理由。　　

對于 a bag of 我們只在詞典上查一個用單數的例子：　　

A bag of things is the amount of things contained in a bag.一袋之量 　　

用單數或復數均可以。雖然沒查到a basket of apples這樣的例子，但我們從詞典中查到了以下實例：　　

A big box of chocolates was handed round. 一大盒巧克力分給了大家。　　

A box of oranges were divided among the children. 一箱橘子分送給小孩們了。