Pedants, help me with grammar query please.

[Shaxx]

A disagreement at work.
Which one of the below is correct?

A significant part of the proceeds WAS used.
A significant part of the proceeds WERE used.

I think its the first but no one agrees with me. I am prepared to be corrected by the all-knowing mumsnet pedants if need be

I think you're right

A part was used
The proceeds were used

WAS

WAS

Because your verb needs to agree with the subject of the sentence, which in this case is PART. And "part" is clearly singular.

You could have a better argument with:

The government were divided on the issue.
The government was divided on the issue.

Not sure but i'd agree its the first as its singular, a significant part.

Whippet be right - 'tis the first.

Thank you!
I shall go and fight my corner more convincingly tomorrow.
It needs to be right as it will be published but we're all in finance so not experts in grammar.