Collecting phrases, like a number of or a pair of, can make it hard to choose between is and are. Which verb do you use when you’re talking about a number of people? On the one hand, number is singular, which calls for is. But people is plural, which calls for are. Typically, it’s best to use are with a number of; essentially, the phrase is an idiom that means the same thing as several, and there is no question that several people would take the plural verb are. You may occasionally run into a pedant who disagrees, but actual usage is on your side.

2. A few dollars _____ all he had left in his wallet.
A. Is
B. Are
C. Was
D . Were

Reply from Mr Lim:
The answer is (B) are

Explanation:

https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=a+few+is+or+are&cvid=82ed6a2d70d7494b88d9cabd0ee6da92&aqs=edge.0.0l6j69i64j69i11004.3480j0j1&FORM=ANAB01&DAF0=1&PC=U531

When using 'a few' to refer to a small number of something, the correct verb form is 'are' because it refers to a plural quantity¹. 'Few' is a quantifier used with plural countable nouns, and without the article "a," it emphasizes a small number of something². Adding the article removes the emphasis, and "a few" means "some"².

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/lay-vs-lie
In the past tense, “lay” becomes “laid” (Last week I laid down the law and told her it was inappropriate for her to pick her nose) and “lie” becomes “lay” (Yesterday she lay down for a nap that afternoon and picked her nose anyway). Yes, “lay” is also the past tense of “lie.” And the confusion doesn’t end there.

To throw you for another loop, “laid” is also the past participle form of “lay.” So, when helping verbs are involved, “lay” becomes “laid” and “lie” becomes “lain.” Grandma had laid the chicken in the oven earlier this morning. The chicken had lain there all day until it was cooked all the way through and ready for us to eat.

Remember: Lay and laid both mean to set something down, while lie, lay and lain all mean the subject is setting itself down.

The noun form of "filial" is "filiales"¹. "Filial" is an adjective that describes something that is characteristic of or befitting the relationship between a son or daughter and their parents².