As a copy editor, it is important to ensure that your writing adheres to proper grammar rules while also considering search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. One area of grammar that can affect both readability and searchability is verb agreement.
Verb agreement refers to the proper matching of a verb with its subject in terms of tense and number. For example, the correct verb agreement between the subject “he” and the verb “runs” would be “He runs” in present tense or “He ran” in past tense. Improper agreement, such as “He run” or “He ranned,” can make your writing appear unprofessional and decrease its search engine rankings.
To ensure proper verb agreement, it`s important to understand the different forms of verb tenses and how they correspond to different subjects. In English, there are six verb tenses: present simple, present continuous, present perfect, past simple, past continuous, and past perfect. Each of these tenses has a specific structure that must be followed for proper verb agreement.
In addition to tense, the number of the subject also affects verb agreement. Singular subjects require singular verbs, such as “the cat meows,” while plural subjects require plural verbs, such as “the cats meow.”
When writing for SEO, proper verb agreement is crucial for ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Search engines such as Google use complex algorithms to determine the relevance and usefulness of a webpage based on its content. One of the factors considered in these algorithms is the quality of the writing, including proper grammar and spelling. By ensuring proper verb agreement, your writing will appear more professional and increase the chances of ranking higher on SERPs.
In conclusion, proper verb agreement is important for both readability and search engine optimization. As a copy editor, it`s your responsibility to ensure that your writing adheres to proper grammar rules to make it appear more professional and increase its visibility on search engines. By understanding verb tenses and their corresponding subjects, you can ensure proper verb agreement and improve the overall quality of your writing.