1. A singular subject takes a singular verb, (verb + s/es) A plural subject takes a plural verb, (bare infinitive) Collective nouns such as crowd, congregation, family, group, etc. may take a singular or plural verb depending upon the sense.
2. If the collective noun refers to a single unit, the verb used is singular but if the noun refers to a collection of individuals, the verb used is plural. Nouns plural in form and plural in meaning, for example, physics, athletics, mumps, and so on, take a singular verb. Nouns plural in form but singular in meaning, for example, trousers, scissors, and so on, take a plural verb.
3. Nouns joined by and take a plural verb. Nouns joined by ‘and’ but referring to the same person take a singular verb. In subjects joined by or, nor, either, neither, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to the verb.
4. The title of a book/play takes a singular verb irrespective of form. Words/phrases expressing periods of time, fractions, weights, measurements and amounts of money are regarded as singular and take a singular verbs.
