As a copy editor, one of the most common language errors I come across is English subject-verb agreement. Despite being a basic concept, even native speakers often make mistakes with it. In this article, we will go over what subject-verb agreement is and how it can affect your writing, especially when it comes to SEO optimization.
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical agreement between subjects and verbs in a sentence. In simpler terms, it means that the subject and the verb must agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, „She runs“ is correct while „She run“ is incorrect.
When it comes to SEO optimization, subject-verb agreement is crucial because search engines use algorithms that analyze the language and grammar used in web pages. If a website`s pages have poor grammar and language errors, it can negatively affect its ranking in search results. This translates to fewer clicks and less traffic to the website.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to subject-verb agreement:
1. Singular subjects with plural verbs: As mentioned earlier, a singular subject requires a singular verb. For example, „The cat walks“ is correct while „The cat walk“ is incorrect.
2. Plural subjects with singular verbs: The same is true for plural subjects. „The cats walk“ is correct, and „The cats walks“ is incorrect.
3. Indefinite pronouns: Indefinite pronouns such as „everyone,“ „someone,“ and „anyone“ are always singular and require singular verbs. For example, „Everyone is going“ is correct while „Everyone are going“ is incorrect.
4. Collective nouns: Collective nouns such as „team“ and „family“ are generally singular and require singular verbs. For example, „The team plays“ is correct, and „The team play“ is incorrect.
5. Compound subjects: When two or more subjects are connected by „and,“ the verb is plural. For example, „The dog and the cat play“ is correct, and „The dog and the cat plays“ is incorrect.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language that should not be overlooked, especially when it comes to SEO optimization. By ensuring that your writing is grammatically correct, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search results, driving more traffic to your website, and ultimately achieving your goals.