a series of — same-form singular/plural nouns (GiU Unit 79)
The frame
Section titled “The frame”There will be a series of meetings to discuss the problem. ✓ (✗ some series)
Same-form nouns
Section titled “Same-form nouns”These look identical in singular and plural — only the article/verb reveals the number:
| noun | singular | plural |
|---|---|---|
| series | a series (is) | two series (are) |
| species | a species | many species |
| means | a means | several means |
| crossroads | a crossroads | two crossroads |
| headquarters | a headquarters | two headquarters |
| aircraft / sheep / deer / fish | one aircraft | three aircraft |
Why a series here
Section titled “Why a series here”The sentence = one set of meetings → singular → a. “Some series” would need the plural sense (several separate series), which doesn’t fit “to discuss the problem” (a set of meetings for one purpose).
Agreement
Section titled “Agreement”The head noun governs the verb:
- A series of meetings is planned. (singular head)
- Two series of talks are planned. (plural head)
The of meetings phrase doesn’t change the number.
Can the noun stand alone for both numbers? → same-form noun → pick the article/verb from the intended count, not the spelling.
Source
Section titled “Source”Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Unit 79 — Singular and plural. Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.