Subject-verb disagreement is a common grammatical error that occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence do not agree in number. This can be particularly problematic for SEO purposes, as search engines tend to favor well-written content that is free of errors. In this article, we will discuss how to correct three common subject-verb disagreements.

1. Singular subject and plural verb

This error occurs when a singular subject is paired with a plural verb. For example: « The dog chase the cat. » Instead, it should be written as « The dog chases the cat. » In this case, the singular subject « dog » requires the singular verb « chases. »

To avoid this error, it is important to identify the subject of the sentence and ensure that the verb agrees with it in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if it is plural, the verb should also be plural.

2. Plural subject and singular verb

This error occurs when a plural subject is paired with a singular verb. For example: « The dogs chase the cat. » Instead, it should be written as « The dogs chase the cat. » In this case, the plural subject « dogs » requires the plural verb « chase. »

To avoid this error, it is important to identify the subject of the sentence and ensure that the verb agrees with it in number. If the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural, and if it is singular, the verb should also be singular.

3. Indefinite pronouns

Indefinite pronouns, such as « everyone » or « somebody, » can be a tricky subject when it comes to subject-verb agreement. For example: « Everyone is responsible for their own actions. » Instead, it should be written as « Everyone is responsible for his or her own actions. » In this case, the indefinite pronoun « everyone » requires a singular verb, but the gender-neutral phrase « his or her » is used to avoid any potential gender bias.

To avoid this error, it is important to identify the indefinite pronoun and choose a suitable gender-neutral phrase to accompany it. This will ensure that the verb agrees with the subject, while also promoting inclusivity and diversity in your content.

In conclusion, subject-verb disagreement is a common grammatical error that can be easily corrected with a little knowledge and attention to detail. By identifying the subject of the sentence and ensuring that the verb agrees with it in number, you can improve the clarity and credibility of your writing, while also optimizing it for SEO purposes.