If there are two subject words in the same sentence, one singular and the other plural, use verb or helping verb according to the first subject if these words are joined by any one of the following words: With, along with, together with, as well as, besides, except, of, not, but, including, excluding, in addition to. Examples: (i) The college dean as well as the parents is / are unable to convince the lazy bluffers. (ii) Harry along with his children were /was not comfortable at Mars.