As a copy editor, it`s important to pay attention to the finer details of grammar and syntax to ensure that your content is not only coherent, but also optimized for search engines. One aspect of grammar that often requires attention is plural verb agreement.
Plural verb agreement refers to using the correct form of a verb when the subject of the sentence is plural. In other words, the verb must agree with the number of the subject. For example, if the subject is “dogs”, the verb should be “are” rather than “is”.
Incorrect plural verb agreement can make your writing appear unprofessional and can also negatively impact your SEO. Search engines rely on proper grammar and syntax to determine the relevance and quality of content, so errors in verb agreement can result in lower rankings or even penalties.
To avoid these issues, it`s important to follow the basic rules of plural verb agreement. Here are some of the most important guidelines:
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. For example, “The dog barks” (singular subject and verb) versus “The dogs bark” (plural subject and verb).
2. Compound subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb. For example, “John and Jane are going to the store” (plural subject and verb).
3. Singular subjects that look plural take singular verbs. For example, “The news is on” (singular subject and verb) versus “The news are on” (incorrect plural verb).
4. Indefinite pronouns like “everyone” or “anyone” usually take singular verbs. For example, “Everyone is excited for the party” (singular subject and verb).
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and optimized for SEO. Remember to always double-check your work for errors in plural verb agreement and other aspects of grammar and syntax. Happy writing!
