When it comes to writing content for the web, one important aspect to consider is search engine optimization, or SEO. One aspect of good writing that is important for both SEO and general readability is ensuring proper agreement between subjects and verbs.

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. In simpler terms, it means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.

For example, „The dog barks” is correct because „dog” is a singular subject and „barks” is a singular verb. On the other hand, „The dogs bark” is correct because „dogs” is a plural subject and „bark” is a plural verb.

Why is subject-verb agreement important for SEO?

Search engines value high-quality content that is easy to read and understand. Content that is riddled with grammatical errors or awkward sentence structure can negatively impact a website`s SEO ranking. Additionally, readers are more likely to engage with content that is well-written and easy to follow.

Tips for determining and selecting the correct agreement between subject and verb:

1. Identify the subject of the sentence.

Before selecting a verb, it`s important to determine the subject of the sentence. Ask yourself who or what is performing the action in the sentence.

2. Consider the number of the subject.

Is the subject singular or plural? This will determine whether the verb should also be singular or plural.

3. Be wary of tricky subjects.

Some subjects can be tricky to determine, such as collective nouns. Collective nouns are singular in form but refer to a group of people or things. For example, „The team wins” is correct because „team” is considered a singular noun. However, „The team are” is also correct in British English because collective nouns are sometimes treated as plural.

4. Use consistent verb tense.

Make sure that the verb tense you choose stays consistent throughout the sentence. For example, „The dog barks and runs” is correct because both verbs are present tense.

Proper subject-verb agreement is essential for good writing, and it plays a crucial role in SEO as well. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your content is well-written and easily digestible for both search engines and readers alike.