[When you have a plural subject and a singular subject related by such (correlative) conjunctions, some

authorities prefer that you put the plural subject close to the verb unless you have specific reason to use the
singular subject close to the verb.]
When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a
plural verb.
The book or the magazines are on the shelf.
Neither John nor the others are available.
Parenthetical Element between the subject and the verb
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, not, etc.
Ignore these words when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb.
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
Grammatically, these phrases/nouns following as well as, in addition to, along with, etc. are called
parenthetical element. Parenthetical elements are introduced using a preposition; what follows the
preposition is not another subject, as may be the case with conjunctions. The verb agrees with the subject.
The parenthetical element separated from the subject using ( ), or commas, or hyphens deemphasizes
the information thus presented.
Incorrect: Amisha, as well as Sony, were present at the Silver Jubilee party.
As well as is preposition (used to bring in Sony). The subject is Amisha and hence the verb has to be
singular.
Correct: Amisha, as well as Sony, was present at the Silver Jubilee party.
Correct: The boys, as well as the girls, were pleased by the teachers remark. (The subject is The
boys, which is plural.)
Study the construction of these sentences. Pay attention to the punctuation.
The boys, as well as the girls, were pleased by the teachers remark.
Amisha (as well as Sony) was present at the Silver Jubilee party.
The father along with his sons was going for fishing.
Some singular subjects
The pronouns each, everyone, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, either, neither, and somebody are
always singular. Do not be misled by what follows of.
Each of the girls sings well.
Every one of the cakes is gone.
Everyone in this batch is expecting a call from the IIMs.
Neither of them is available to speak right now.
Subject Verb Agreement (a few more usage concerns)
With words that indicate portions per cent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, etc.
you must look at what follows the of to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. If what follows
of is singular, use a singular verb.
Fifty per cent of the population is against the government policy. (Population follows of and is
singular hence the verb is the singular is)