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​A collective noun takes a plural verb when the speaker is thinking of the individual members of the group.

The staff have gone their separate ways for the holidays.

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A collective noun takes a singular verb when the speaker is thinking of the group as a unit.

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​The team is winning the game.

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​Expressions stating amount (time, money, measurement, weight, volume, fractions) are usually singular when the amount is considered as a unit.

Five years has been a long time to wait.

Two thirds of the day is spent in school.

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However, when the amount is considered as a number of separate units, a plural verb is used.

The last six miles were the most scenic.

Two third of the holidays fall on a Friday or a Monday.​

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​A few nouns, such as mumps, measles, civics, economics, mathematics, physics, although plural in form, take a singular verb.

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The mumps usually lasts three days.

Nuclear physics is a controversial branch of science.

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​The title of a book or the name of an organization or country, even when plural in form, usually takes a singular verb.

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Lilies of the Field is on the late show tonight.

Friends of the Earth has held a membership drive.

The United States was represented at the summit conference.

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