Explanation of Predicate Usage in Singular or Plural

1. The family were still at table, but they had finished breakfast. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because the sentence emphasizes the individual members of the family and their actions.
2. There was a crowd of soldiers along the fence in the infield. The predicate "was" is used in the singular because the subject is "a crowd," which is a singular collective noun. Even though the crowd consists of multiple soldiers, the group is treated as a single unit.
3. The band was stopped, the crowd were partially quieted, and Horatio Fizkin, Esquire, was permitted to proceed. "Was" is used with "band" because "band" is a singular noun referring to a single musical group. "Were" is used with "crowd" because it refers to the actions or state of the individuals within the crowd. "Was" is used with Horatio Fizkin as he is one individual.
4. Down by the Embankment... a band of unemployed were trailing dismally with money-boxes. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because "a band" here is considered as individuals of unemployed, emphasizing their individual actions of trailing.
5. The multitude have something else to do than to read hearts and interpret dark sayings. The predicate "have" is used in the plural because "multitude" is treated as a collection of individuals, each with their own actions or intentions.
6. The newly married pair, on their arrival in Harley Street, Cavendish Square, London were received by the chief butler. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because "pair" refers to two people. Although they are considered as a unit, the focus is on their individual experiences and reception.
7. There was a dreaminess, a preoccupation, an exaltation, in the maternal look which the girl could not understand. The predicate "was" is used in the singular because the sentence refers to three singular nouns dreaminess, preoccupation, an exaltation.
8. The company are cool and calm. The predicate "are" is used in the plural because it refers to the members within the company, emphasizing their collective state or behavior.
9. As of old, nineteen hours of labour a day was all too little to suit him. The predicate "was" is used in the singular because the subject is "nineteen hours of labour", considered here as a single duration or period.
10. There were still two hours of daylight before them. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because the subject is "two hours", indicating a duration consisting of multiple units (hours).
11. At last they came into a maze of dust, where a quantity of people were tumbling over one another... The predicate "were" is used in the plural because the subject is "a quantity of people", indicating multiple individuals performing an action.
12. Tom's whole class were of a pattern-restless, noisy and troublesome. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because the sentence refers to the individual members of the class, emphasizing their collective characteristics.
13. A group of men were standing guarded by carabinieri. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because the subject is "a group of men", indicating multiple individuals performing an action.
14. The loving couple were no longer happy. The predicate "were" is used in the plural because "couple" refers to two people, emphasizing their joint state or experience.