SIMPLE RULES....sometimes hard to execute.

1. Singular Subject + es, s (is or was)
Plural Subject + base form (are or were)

2. Intervening phrases
(subject),_________, (predicate)
*the predicate will vary on the subject although there is a intervening phrase

3. Either/or , Neither/or –the verb will agrees on the nearest subject

4. Collective noun can be taken as a singular or plural

5. Compound Subjects (two subjects)
Can refer to one or two subjects,,, then will refer to rule no. 1

6. Words that are plural in form but singular in meaning – always singular
Like, mathematics, physics, economics

7. Time, space, weight, distance = singular always

8. A number of _______ + base form of the verb
The Number of_______ + singular

9. Indefinite Pronouns
Maybe singular or plural

EVERYBODY AND EVERYONE + is …. ALWAYS

MANY, FEW, SEVERAL, ALL, MUCH + are…..ALWAYS