As a copy editor, one of the most important aspects of my work is ensuring that the written content is optimized for search engines. However, in doing so, it is equally important to not compromise the basic rules of grammar. One such rule is ensuring that the verb agrees with its subject.
The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is simple: the verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural). For example, if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. This may seem like a basic rule, but it is often overlooked, leading to awkward and incorrect sentences.
Using correct subject-verb agreement not only ensures grammatical correctness but also helps in creating content that is easily understood by the readers and search engines alike. Search engines use natural language processing to understand content, and grammatically correct sentences are more likely to rank higher. This is because search engines prioritize content that is easy to read and understand.
Incorrect subject-verb agreement can also lead to miscommunication. Consider the sentence “The team are going to the match.” Here, the verb “are” indicates a plural subject, while “team” is a singular noun. Hence, a more appropriate sentence would be “The team is going to the match.”
Similarly, when using collective nouns such as “family,” “team,” or “group,” it is essential to use a singular verb. For example, “The family is going on vacation” is correct, while “The family are going on vacation” is not.
In summary, subject-verb agreement is a basic yet essential rule of grammar that should not be overlooked, especially when optimizing content for search engines. It not only helps in creating content that is grammatically correct but also ensures that the content is easily understood by readers and search engines alike.