There is a lot of code vs There are a lot of code

Question

Which is correct?

There is a lot of code (our program consists of)

There are a lot of code (our program consists of)

Possible duplicate of this question – CowperKettle Jan 07 '19 at 07:30 — CowperKettle, Jan 07 '19 at 07:30

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 07 '19 at 20:45

The word "code" is singular in this sentence. It is being used as an uncountable noun. It must have a verb that agrees in number. You must say "There is a lot of code..."

Somewhat more surprisingly, with plural nouns the agreement is with the plural, not with "lot": "There are a lot of toys". Contrast this with "There is a box of toys"

There is a lot of code vs There are a lot of code

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