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Few were left alive after the flood.
12. If two infinitives are separated by "and," they take the
plural form of the verb.
To walk and to chew gum require great skill.
13. A collective noun, such as "team" or "staff," can be either
singular or plural depending upon the rest of the sentence. Typically,
they take the singular form, as the collective noun is treated as a
cohesive single unit.
The herd is stampeding.
14. Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such
words as along with, as well as, besides, not, etc. These words and
phrases are not part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb
when the subject is singular.
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
15. Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of
money, etc., when considered as a unit.
Three miles is too far to walk. Five years is the maximum
sentence for that offense. Ten dollars is a high price to pay.