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4. If one of the words "each," "every," or "no" comes before
the subject, the verb is singular.
No smoking or drinking is allowed.
Every man and woman is required to check in.
5. If the subjects are both singular and are connected by the
words "or," "nor," "neither/nor," "either/or," or "not only/but also," the
verb is singular.
Either Jessica or Christian is to blame for the accident.
6. The only time the object of the preposition decides plural or
singular verb forms is when noun and pronoun subjects like "some,"
"half," "none," "more," or "all" are followed by a prepositional phrase.
Then the object of the preposition determines the form of the verb.
All of the chicken is gone.
All of the chickens are gone.
7. The singular verb form is usually reserved for units of
measurement or time.
Four quarts of oil was required to get the car running.
8. If the subjects are both plural and are connected by the
words "or," "nor," "neither/nor," "either/or," or "not only/but also," the
verb is plural.
Not only dogs but also cats are available at the animal shelter.
9. If one subject is singular and the other is plural, and the
words are connected by the words "or," "nor," "neither/nor,"
"either/or," or "not only/but also," use the verb form of the subject that
is nearest the verb.
Either the bears or the lion has escaped from the zoo.
Neither the lion nor the bears have escaped from the zoo.
10. Indefinite pronouns typically take singular verbs (with
some exceptions).
Everybody wants to be loved.
11. The exceptions to the above rule include
the pronouns "few," "many," "several," "both," "all," and "some."
These always take the plural form.