In the simple present, a third-person singular subject usually takes a verb ending in -s. A plural subject usually takes the base form. The verb be has its own forms: is/are in the present and was/were in the past.
One subject or several?
Match the verb to the number of the subject. Two separate subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb.
The cyclist rides early.
The cyclists ride early.
The cyclist and the runner train together.
Each and every
When each or every comes before singular nouns joined by and, use a singular verb.
Every desk and chair needs cleaning.
Each student and teacher has a badge.
Either/or and neither/nor
With either … or, neither … nor, and not only … but also, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Either the tutors or the principal is available.
Either the principal or the tutors are available.
Putting the plural subject next to the verb often sounds more natural when the subjects differ in number.
Singular indefinite pronouns
Each, either, neither, anyone, anybody, anything, everyone, everybody, everything, no one, nobody, nothing, someone, somebody, and something take a singular verb.
Everyone knows the route.
Neither of the answers is correct.
Phrases between subject and verb
A phrase beginning with along with, as well as, together with, including, in addition to, or especially does not change the number of the subject. Look past the phrase to the main subject.
The coach, along with the players, is arriving.
The players, as well as the coach, are arriving.
Subject after the verb
In sentences beginning with here or there, find the subject after the verb. A location phrase before the verb can also hide the subject.
Here are the keys.
There is a note on the door.
On the shelf are three dictionaries.
Here and there are not the subjects in these examples.