As a copy editor, one of the most important tasks we have is ensuring that the grammar of a piece of writing is correct. However, it`s not always just about making sure that each sentence is grammatically sound. One important aspect of grammar that we need to pay attention to is subject-verb agreement, also known as grammar reach agreement.

Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that states that the verb in a sentence needs to agree with the subject in number. Simply put, if the subject is singular, the verb needs to be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb needs to be plural as well. This might sound simple, but it`s actually one of the most common mistakes that writers make.

For example, let`s look at this sentence: „The cat and the dog is sleeping.“ Here, the subject is two things, the cat and the dog. However, the verb used is „is,“ which is singular. The correct verb in this case should be „are,“ which is plural. So, the correct sentence should read: „The cat and the dog are sleeping.“

It`s important to note that subject-verb agreement can become more complex with compound subjects, where two or more subjects are joined by „and,“ „or,“ or „nor.“ In these cases, the verb needs to agree with the subject closest to it. For example: „John or his friends are going to the party.“ Here, the subject closest to the verb is „friends,“ which is plural. Therefore, the correct verb is „are.“

As copy editors, it`s our job to ensure that subject-verb agreement is correct in all pieces of writing. Not only does it make the writing sound better and more professional, but it also makes it easier for the reader to understand. Incorrect grammar reach agreement can make a piece read awkwardly, and can even change the meaning of the sentence.

In addition, with the increased importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in online writing, correct grammar has become more important than ever. Search engines like Google use algorithms to rank websites, and one of the factors they look for is high-quality content. Correct grammar can help improve a website`s ranking, while incorrect grammar can hurt it.

In conclusion, it`s crucial for copy editors to pay careful attention to subject-verb agreement when editing a piece of writing. Not only does it make the piece sound better and more professional, but it also ensures that the writer`s intended meaning is conveyed accurately. And, in this age of SEO, correct grammar is more important than ever for the success of a piece of writing.