As a copy editor who is well-versed in the nuances of SEO, I often come across mistakes in subject-verb agreement. This grammatical error occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence do not agree in number, causing confusion and hindering effective communication.
To help you avoid this mistake, here are some examples of sentences that contain errors in subject-verb agreement. Can you spot the errors?
1) The group of students are going on a field trip.
2) The grand piano in the foyer needs tuning.
3) My brother and I is going to the store.
If you guessed that the first sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement, you are correct. The correct sentence should be: “The group of students is going on a field trip.” The subject “group” is singular, even though it refers to multiple individuals, so it requires a singular verb form.
In the second sentence, the subject “grand piano” is singular and requires the singular verb form “needs.” There are no errors in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.
However, the third sentence contains a common mistake where the subject is plural but the verb is singular. The correct sentence should be: “My brother and I are going to the store.” In this case, the subject “brother and I” is plural, so it requires a plural verb form.
Subject-verb agreement might seem like a small detail, but it can have significant consequences for clarity and readability. If readers are confused by grammar mistakes, they are less likely to engage with your content and may even view your website or brand as unprofessional or unreliable.
To avoid errors in subject-verb agreement, it is essential to pay close attention to the number of the subject and choose the appropriate verb form to match. Additionally, having a thorough understanding of grammar rules and a keen eye for details can help you catch and correct any mistakes before publishing your content.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of writing that should not be overlooked. By reviewing and editing your work carefully, you can ensure that your content is clear, concise, and error-free, which will ultimately help you connect with your audience and achieve your SEO goals.