nothing (singular): Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, March 11, 2012

nothing (singular)
In formal English, “nothing” is always singular, even when it’s followed by a phrase stating an exception which contains a plural noun: “Nothing but weeds grows [not grow] in my yard” and “nothing except desserts appeals [not appeal] to Jennifer.” This pattern is seldom followed in more casual speech and writing, but you can see its logic if you move “nothing” to immediately precede its verb: “Nothing appeals to Jennifer except desserts.”