As a copy editor with a passion for SEO, I understand the importance of producing high-quality content that is not only engaging and informative but also optimized for search engines. One aspect of writing that is often overlooked but can have a significant impact on your SEO is subject-verb agreement.
In this article, we will focus on compound subjects and how to properly ensure subject-verb agreement. We will also provide you with a worksheet that you can use to practice and improve your skills.
What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example:
— The dog barks. (singular subject and singular verb)
— The dogs bark. (plural subject and plural verb)
What are compound subjects?
Compound subjects are when two or more subjects are joined by a conjunction (such as «and», «or», or «nor»). For example:
— Sarah and John are going to the movies.
— Neither the cat nor the dog wants to go outside.
How to ensure subject-verb agreement with compound subjects
When dealing with compound subjects, it is essential to remember that they are treated as plural unless they are joined by «or» or «nor.» In those cases, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Let`s look at some examples:
— The cat and the dog chase each other. (plural subject and plural verb)
— The cat or the dog chases the squirrel. (singular subject and singular verb)
It is also important to remember that when the compound subject is joined by «and,» the subjects must be similar in form to be considered a compound subject. For example:
— The cat and chasing mice are her favorite activities. (incorrect)
— Chasing mice and playing with yarn are the cat`s favorite activities. (correct)
Worksheet for practicing subject-verb agreement with compound subjects
Now that we have covered the rules for subject-verb agreement with compound subjects, it is time to put your skills to the test with this worksheet:
1. The sun and the moon (shines/shine) in the sky.
2. Neither Sarah nor her friends (likes/like) to eat vegetables.
3. Apples and bananas (are/is) my favorite fruits.
4. The book and the movie (has/have) different endings.
5. Swimming and running (are/is) good exercises.
Answers:
1. shine
2. like
3. are
4. have
5. are
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is crucial in producing well-written content that is optimized for SEO. With this worksheet, you can practice and improve your skills in ensuring subject-verb agreement with compound subjects. Remember to treat compound subjects as plural, unless they are joined by «or» or «nor,» and ensure that the subjects are similar in form when joined by «and.» Keep practicing and refining your skills, and your content will be sure to shine.