As a copy editor, it is essential to understand the rules of grammar, especially when it comes to subject-verb agreement. The agreement between the subject and the verb is crucial in communicating the message correctly.
This type of error is quite common in writing. The problem usually arises when the subject is plural, and the verb is singular or vice versa. The correct conjugation of verbs depends on the subject`s number, whether it is singular or plural. Let us take a look at some examples of subject-verb agreement:
– Incorrect: The boy plays with his toys.
– Correct: The boys play with their toys.
In the incorrect example, the subject is “boy,” which is singular, and the verb is “plays,” which is also singular. The correct sentence would be “The boys play with their toys,” with the subject changed to “boys” and the verb to “play” to match it.
– Incorrect: The team is playing their best game.
– Correct: The team is playing its best game.
In the incorrect example, the subject is “team,” which is singular, and the verb is “is playing,” also singular. However, the pronoun “their” is used, which is plural, and does not match the subject or verb. The correct sentence would be “The team is playing its best game,” using the singular pronoun “its” to match the singular subject.
– Incorrect: She and her friend is going to the mall.
– Correct: She and her friend are going to the mall.
In the incorrect example, the subject is “she and her friend,” which is plural, but the verb is “is going,” which is singular. The correct sentence would be “She and her friend are going to the mall,” with the verb “are going” to match the plural subject.
Subject-verb agreement is also essential in SEO writing. Search engines like Google use algorithms to analyze and rank web pages based on their relevance to users` queries. Web pages with correct grammar and spelling are more likely to rank higher than those with numerous errors.
In conclusion, ensuring subject-verb agreement is crucial in writing. As a copy editor, it is essential to check the conjugation of verbs in relation to the number of the subject. By doing so, you will produce error-free writing that communicates your message effectively to your audience, while also improving the ranking of your content on search engines.
