Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
As a copy editor with a focus on SEO, it is important to understand the rules of subject-verb agreement. While it may seem like a small detail, incorrect subject-verb agreement can significantly impact the readability and searchability of a piece of content.
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that states that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with the verb. In other words, a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
For example, in the sentence “The dog barks at the mailman,” the singular subject “dog” is paired with the singular verb “barks.” In contrast, in the sentence “The dogs bark at the mailman,” the plural subject “dogs” is paired with the plural verb “bark.”
While this may seem like a simple concept, there are several common errors that can trip up even the most experienced writers. Here are a few tips to ensure that your subject-verb agreement is always on point:
1. Identify the Subject
The first step in ensuring subject-verb agreement is to clearly identify the subject of the sentence. This may be a noun, pronoun, or even a gerund (a verb that functions as a noun). Once you have identified the subject, you can determine whether it is singular or plural.
2. Match the Verb to the Subject
Once you have identified the subject, you must ensure that the verb matches in number. For singular subjects, use a singular verb; for plural subjects, use a plural verb.
3. Look Out for Tricky Phrases
Some phrases can be tricky when it comes to subject-verb agreement. For example, phrases such as “a number of” or “a group of” can be confusing, as they may seem to refer to a plural subject when in fact the subject is singular. In these cases, it is important to pay attention to the noun that follows the preposition to determine whether the subject is singular or plural.
4. Keep it Simple
When in doubt, it is always safer to keep it simple. Stick to basic sentence structures and avoid complex phrases that may obscure the subject-verb relationship. Remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to subject-verb agreement!
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a major impact on the readability and searchability of your content. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your subject-verb agreement is always on point and your content is optimized for both readers and search engines.