le gouvernement !!
I know in French that 'le gouvernement' can be conjugated using either the singular or plural form. Can anyone give me a list of any of the other nouns that are like this ?
Also any tips on how to identify whether I should use the singular or plural form would be much appreciated. Thanks

Question

le gouvernement !!
I know in French that 'le gouvernement' can be conjugated using either the singular or plural form. Can anyone give me a list of any of the other nouns that are like this ? 
Also any tips on how to identify whether I should use the singular or plural form would be much appreciated. Thanks

Answer

If you talk about the government of one country, it's always singular. You'd used the plural only if you talk about multiple countries' governement.
Ex : Le gouvernement a décidé de créer une nouvelle taxe.
Les gouvernements des pays occidentaux s'entendent pour dire qu'il faut réduire la pollution.

Regarding words that can be plural and singular, it's a bit like opening a can of worms. I'll give you only one example that springs to mind : un pantalon, des pantalons (both meaning only one pair of trousers).

Answer

Première nouvelle: Pour moi le gouvernement est un nom masculin.
on peut dire le gouvernement ou les gouvernements de plusieurs pays.