Page 64 - English Grammar - 6

Red and yellow are my favourite colours.
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There is an exception when a sentence has compound subject. For example:
Shouting and arguing is not going to help you.
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Sometimes, a subject is separated from a verb by words such as along with, as well as,
besides, and not since these are not a part of the subject. They may be ignored, and a singular
verb can be used if the subject is singular. For example:

The Principal along with some teachers is expected to arrive soon.
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Smoking as well as stress is the cause of his illness.
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Parentheses are not part of a subject. For example:

Jerry (the one with the long nose) was always up to mischief.
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My aunt (the one who lives in Atlanta) has invited me to visit her.
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In sentences that begin with here or there, the subject follows the verb. For example:

Here are the tennis balls.
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There is a high wall to jump.
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We use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, and sums of money, when considered
as a unit. For example:
A hundred metres is the distance to be covered.
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Fifteen years is a long time to be away from your family.
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With words that indicate portions—a lot of, some, all, and if the noun after of is singular,
use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb. For example:

A lot of water has been wasted.
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Subject-Verb Agreement
A lot of birds have gone back.
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Some of the wealth is missing.
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Some of the coins are missing.
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All of the cake is gone.
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All of the pastries are gone.
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With collective nouns, the verb might be singular or plural, depending on the writer’s
intent. For example:

Most of the jury is here.
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Most of the jury are here.
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The word were replaces was in sentences that express a wish or are contrary to a fact.
For example:

If father were alive, he would have been so proud.
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I wish it were true, but I know it is an impossible thought.
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