Subject/Verb Agreement with Intervening Prepositional Phrases

Front

Apartments in this city (is required, are required) to have smoke alarms.

Back

are required

Front

A convoy of trucks (is roaring, are roaring) down the highway.

Back

is roaring

Front

A dealer in rare books (was asked, were asked) to look at the collection.

Back

was asked

Front

That group of stars the Big Dipper.

Back

is called

Front

A box of warm coats (was delivered, were delivered) to the shelter.

Back

was delivered

Front

People on the beach (was building, were building) sand castles.

Back

were building

Front

Rising mists from the moor an aura of mystery over the scene.

Back

cast

Front

Several teaspoons of cinnamon added to the mix.

Back

were added

Front

Students majoring in computer science (has, have) good job prospects.

Back

have

Front

Maple tree leaves (is/are) bright red.

Back

are turning