“To be wise in our own eyes, to be wise in the opinion of the world, and to be wise in the sight of our Creator, are three things so very different as rarely to coincide.”—Blair.
Singular in Meaning
Nominatives are sometimes plural in form but singular in meaning. Such nominatives require a verb in the singular.
“The philosopher and poet was banished from his country.” Was is correct, because philosopher and poet are the same person.
“Ambition, and not the safety of the state, was concerned.” Was is correct, because ambition is the subject. The words, “and not the safety of the state,” simply emphasize the subject, but do not give it a plural meaning.
“Truth, and truth only, is worth seeking for its own sake.” Another case of emphasis.
Each, Every, No, Not
When two or more nominatives are qualified by one of the foregoing words the verb must be singular.
“Every limb and feature appears with its respective grace.”—Steele.
“Not a bird, not a beast, not a tree, not a shrub were to be seen.” Use was instead of were.