When writing content for websites, search engine optimization (SEO) is an important factor to consider. One aspect of SEO that is commonly overlooked is subject-verb agreement. Correct subject-verb agreement is essential to effective communication and can impact a website`s search engine ranking.
Subject-verb agreement refers to matching the number and person of a subject with the corresponding verb. Criteria, for example, is a plural noun, so it takes a plural verb. Incorrect subject-verb agreement can cause confusion for readers and signal to search engines that the content may not be of high quality.
To avoid subject-verb agreement errors, it`s important to pay attention to the grammatical rules that apply. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.
For example:
– The dog runs in the park. (singular subject – “dog”; singular verb – “runs”)
– The cats play in the backyard. (plural subject – “cats”; plural verb – “play”)
2. When a subject is compound (two or more nouns sharing the same verb), use a plural verb.
For example:
– Apples and oranges are my favorite fruits. (compound subject – “apples and oranges”; plural verb – “are”)
3. When the subject of a sentence is separated from the verb by a phrase or clause, the verb should still agree with the subject.
For example:
– The book, along with its companion guide, is useful for beginners. (singular subject – “book”; singular verb – “is”)
4. Indefinite pronouns (such as “everyone,” “anyone,” and “someone”) are always singular and require a singular verb.
For example:
– Everyone enjoys a good book. (singular subject – “everyone”; singular verb – “enjoys”)
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your content is grammatically correct and effective in conveying your message. Remember, subject-verb agreement may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the quality and searchability of your website`s content.