Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language, especially when it comes to writing content for SEO. When the subject and verb agree in number, it makes the writing more precise and easier to understand. However, this can be a tricky aspect of the language, and mistakes can often creep in. Here are five rules to keep in mind when it comes to subject-verb agreement.

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

This rule may seem obvious, but it is the most basic and important. If the subject of the sentence is singular, then the verb should be singular. For example, “The dog barks loudly.” In contrast, if the subject is plural, then the verb should be plural. For example, “The dogs bark loudly.”

2. Use auxiliary verbs to form the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses.

When using the present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect tenses, auxiliary verbs must be used to form the verb. For example, “I have walked to the park.” In this sentence, the auxiliary verb “have” has been used to form the present perfect tense of the verb “walk.”

3. Use “there” as a dummy subject in sentences beginning with “there.”

When you start a sentence with “there,” it is a dummy subject. The verb should agree with the actual subject, not the dummy subject. For example, “There are dogs in the park.” In this sentence, the actual subject is “dogs,” so “are” has been used as the verb.

4. Collective nouns can be singular or plural.

When using collective nouns like “team,” “family,” or “audience,” the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on context. For example, “The family is going on vacation,” or “The family are all arguing.”

5. Use singular verbs with uncountable nouns.

Uncountable nouns, like “water,” “money,” or “information,” are singular and always take singular verbs. For example, “The water is cold,” or “The information is useful.”

Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing, especially in SEO. By following these five rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. Remember, when the subject and verb agree, your writing will be easier to understand, and your reader will be more engaged.