Correlative Conjunction Subject-Verb Agreement: A Guide for Better Writing and Improved SEO
As a copy editor, you know that grammar and syntax are fundamental to good writing. But did you know that correlative conjunctions have a significant impact on subject-verb agreement? If you`re not familiar with correlative conjunctions, or if you`re struggling to use them effectively, don`t worry – this guide will help you master this grammar rule.
What are Correlative Conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words used to join two words, phrases, or clauses. Examples include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “not only…but also,” and “both…and.” These conjunctions provide balance and emphasis in a sentence, and they can help to clarify the relationship between two ideas.
Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions
The key to subject-verb agreement with correlative conjunctions is to identify the subject closest to the verb and then match the verb to that subject. This means that if the subjects connected by a correlative conjunction are singular, the verb should also be singular. If the subjects are plural, the verb should be plural.
For example:
– Either John or his friends are going to the party. (Correct)
– Either John or his friends is going to the party. (Incorrect)
– Not only the students but also the teacher was late. (Incorrect)
– Not only the students but also the teacher were late. (Correct)
The first example shows correct subject-verb agreement, with “friends” being plural and “are” also being plural. The second example shows incorrect subject-verb agreement because “friends” and “is” don`t match in number. The third example is incorrect because “teacher” and “was” don`t match in number, while the fourth example is correct because “students” and “teacher” are plural, and “were” matches that number.
Why is Correlative Conjunction Subject-Verb Agreement Important for SEO?
In addition to improving the readability and clarity of your writing, following the rules of correlative conjunction subject-verb agreement has a direct impact on SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize web pages that feature well-written, grammatically correct content over those with poor grammar and syntax. In other words, good grammar equals better SEO.
Furthermore, search engines often use natural language processing (NLP) to understand the meaning of a web page`s content. If your content features incorrect subject-verb agreement, this could confuse NLP algorithms and result in a lower search engine ranking.
Conclusion
Correlative conjunctions can add style and clarity to your writing but require attention to subject-verb agreement. Remember to match the verb with the subject closest to it, whether singular or plural, to achieve subject-verb agreement. By following proper grammar rules, you will not only improve the readability and quality of your content but also boost your SEO.