Make the verb agree with its subject, not with a word that comes between (whether in preposition phrases or adjective clauses).

For example: The samples on the tray in the lab need tasting.
The governor, as well as his press secretary, wasshot.

Make the verb agree with its subject even when the subject follows the verb.

For example: There are surprisingly few children in our neighborhood.

Treat subjects joined with and as plural.

For example: Matt and Lisa often write in the morning.
Sonja's ability and desire to help are inspiring.

However, when the parts of the subject form a single unit or when they refer to the same person or thing, treat the subject as singular. In addition, when a compound subject is preceded by each or every, treat the subject as singular.

For example: Strawberries and cream was a last-minute addition to the menu.
Each tree, shrub, and vine needs to be sprayed.

With subjects connected by or or nor (or by either... or or neither ... nor), make the verb agree with the part of the subject nearer to the verb.

For example: A driver's license or credit card is required.

Treat most indefinite pronouns as singular. Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things, and include the following: anybody, anyone, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, none, no one, somebody, someone and something.

For example: Everyone in class likes the teacher.

Treat collective nouns as singular unless the meaning is clearly plural.

For example: The class respects the teacher. (singular)
The class are debating among themselves. (plural)

Titles of works, company names, words mentioned as words, and gerund phrases are singular.

                             For example:                Lost Cities describes the discoveries of many ancient civilizations.
                                                                 "Controlled Substances" is a euphemism for illegal drugs.
                                                                 Encountering busy signals is troublesome to many people.

Adapted from: A Writer's Reference (4th ed.) by Diana Hacker

Subject-Verb Agreement