As a copy editor, one of the most important aspects of your job is to ensure that the written material you are editing follows proper verb agreement. This is particularly important when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), as proper verb agreement can have a significant impact on the search engine ranking of a website. In this article, we will discuss why verb agreement is so important for SEO, and provide tips for ensuring that your written material follows proper verb agreement.
Why is Proper Verb Agreement Important for SEO?
Search engines use algorithms to determine the relevance of a website to a particular search term. One of the factors that these algorithms consider is the use of proper grammar and syntax. If a website uses incorrect verb agreement, search engines may view it as less relevant or authoritative, and it may be penalized in the search rankings.
Additionally, proper verb agreement can improve the readability and clarity of your writing. This, in turn, can lead to increased engagement, shares, and links, all of which can help boost your SEO efforts.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Verb Agreement
1. Match the Verb to the Subject
The most basic rule of verb agreement is to ensure that the verb matches the subject in both number and person. For example, a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. Likewise, a first-person subject requires a first-person verb, while a third-person subject requires a third-person verb. Make sure that you are paying attention to the subject of your sentence and matching your verb accordingly.
2. Watch Out for Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are nouns that refer to a group of people or things as a single unit, such as « team » or « committee. » When using collective nouns, it can be tricky to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. In general, if you are referring to the group as a whole, use a singular verb. If you are referring to the individuals within the group, use a plural verb.
3. Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to verb agreement. Make sure that you are using the same tense throughout your writing, and that you are consistent in your use of singular and plural verbs. Inconsistencies in verb agreement can be distracting to readers and may negatively impact your SEO efforts.
4. Use Editing Tools
There are a variety of editing tools available that can help you ensure proper verb agreement in your writing. Grammarly, for example, is a popular grammar checking tool that can help you catch errors in verb agreement. Additionally, most word processing programs have built-in grammar and spell checkers that can alert you to potential issues.
In Conclusion
Proper verb agreement is essential for SEO and can help improve the readability and clarity of your writing. By following the tips outlined in this article and using editing tools as necessary, you can ensure that your written material follows proper verb agreement and is optimized for search engines.