Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental aspects of grammar, and it is crucial to ensure that there is consistency between the subject and the verb in a sentence. This is an essential skill for copy editors to have, not only for the sake of grammar but also for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) purposes.
So, what exactly is subject-verb agreement? In simple terms, it refers to the fact that singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. For example, “He runs” is correct because “he” is a singular subject and “runs” is a singular verb. On the other hand, “They run” is correct because “they” is a plural subject and “run” is a plural verb.
However, subject-verb agreement can become more complex when there are compound subjects, singular or plural nouns joined by “or” or “nor,” and inverted sentences. In these cases, it is important to identify the subject and choose the correct verb accordingly.
For example, in a sentence like “The book or the magazines are on the table,” the subject is actually “book” and “magazines” is a separate noun that is being used to create a compound subject. Therefore, “are” is the correct verb to use because the subject is plural.
Another potential source of confusion is when the subject and verb are separated by other words, such as prepositional phrases. In these cases, it is important to identify the subject and verb and not be swayed by the words in between.
Consider this sentence: “In the forest of trees, the birds are singing.” The subject is “birds,” and therefore the verb should be plural, “are.” Even though there is a prepositional phrase separating the subject and verb, it does not change the agreement.
In terms of SEO, subject-verb agreement is important because search engines take into account the quality of the written content on a webpage. If there are numerous grammar errors, it can negatively impact the website`s ranking in search results. Additionally, visitors to a website are more likely to stay and engage with the content if it is well-written and free of errors.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of grammar that copy editors must be aware of. It is crucial for ensuring clear and effective communication and can also impact a website`s SEO. By understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement and carefully proofreading for errors, copy editors can produce high-quality content that is both grammatically correct and SEO-friendly.