As a copy editor with a strong understanding of SEO, it`s important to pay attention to many elements of grammar, including subject-verb agreement. Specifically, issues with subject-verb agreement can arise when dealing with the words “and” and “between.” In this article, we`ll explore these tricky situations and offer tips for ensuring that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
Subject-Verb Agreement with “And”
When using the word “and” to connect two subjects, it`s important to ensure that the verb agrees with both subjects. Let`s take a look at an example:
Incorrect: The dog and the cat is sleeping.
Correct: The dog and the cat are sleeping.
This might seem like a small error, but it can have a big impact on SEO. Search engines are looking for content that is clear and well-written, and grammar issues can hurt your rankings.
Subject-Verb Agreement with “Between”
When using the word “between,” it`s important to make sure that the verb agrees with the subject that comes after it. Here`s an example:
Incorrect: Between you and I, the party was boring.
Correct: Between you and me, the party was boring.
In this example, “you and me” is the subject of the sentence, so the verb should agree with “me.”
Tips for Improving Your Subject-Verb Agreement
There are a few tips you can use to improve your subject-verb agreement and avoid common mistakes:
1. Pay close attention to your sentences, especially when using “and” or “between.” Take the time to read over your writing and ensure that your verbs agree with your subjects.
2. If you`re unsure about which verb to use, try separating the subjects and verbs and testing each one separately. For example, in the sentence “The dog and the cat are sleeping,” you could test “The dog is sleeping” and “The cat is sleeping” to see if they sound correct on their own.
3. Practice, practice, practice! The more you write, the more comfortable you`ll become with subject-verb agreement and other grammar rules.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement can be a tricky aspect of grammar, especially when dealing with words like “and” and “between.” However, by paying close attention to your sentences and following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. By doing so, you`ll improve your SEO and ensure that your content is reaching as wide an audience as possible.