...a new set of sodomy charges was/were leveled...

[Tan Elaine]

But dirty politics was not quite done with Anwar just yet. That same year, a new set of sodomy charges were leveled against Anwar in what was again widely perceived as an attempt to remove him from power and public prominence. The charges couldn’t stop Anwar as he was elected a member of parliament in a massive landslide victory later that year. Anwar’s political return was now almost complete.

Shouldn't it be 'was'? I think, the subject is 'set'.

Thanks.

[emsr2d2]

I agree with you and I would use "was" but you'll hear "were" a lot because it sounds as if it should be correct after "charges".

[BobSmith]

Can't "set" follow the same rule that "family" does, i.e. in BrE is is plural?

[Tdol]

I have no problem with the plural- many BrE speakers would use the plural. I am not sure what the distribution would be, but you'd hear both.