Bernard C.Lamb

Compound subjects grouped together by each or every are considered singular

With constructions involving either … or, or neither … nor, use a singular verb if both nouns are singular and a plural verb if both are plural

If one noun is singular and the other is plural, make the verb agree with whichever noun it immediately follows

-ise is compulsory in a series of verbs of French origin, including advise, arise, chastise, despise, exercise and surprise, but in many other verbs, either form may be used. For words of Greek origin, -ize would better reflect their origin

To compare someone to something means saying how they are alike. To compare someone with something means saying how they are alike and unlike.

A semicolon can replace a comma and a conjunction, and can be replaced by a full stop.

A comma may be sufficient to join clauses if they are very short, or where the tone is informal

When they join two sentences to make a single sentence, words such as however, moreover, nevertheless, consequently and hence usually need a semicolon before them

If the members of the group are acting individually, the collective noun takes a plural verb, as several people make a plural subject

If, however, they are acting as one body, as is often the case, the verb should be singular