As a copy editor, one of the most common errors that I come across is improper subject-verb agreement. This error can be detrimental to the overall quality of any piece of writing, as it can make the sentence difficult to read and understand. It can also affect the search engine optimization (SEO) of the content. Therefore, it is essential for writers to choose the sentence with the correct subject-verb agreement.

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. For instance, “The cat sleeps” is correct because the subject “cat” is singular and the verb “sleeps” is also singular.

On the other hand, “The cat sleep” is incorrect because the subject is singular, but the verb is plural. This error can be jarring to the reader and can result in a lower search engine ranking due to the poor quality of the content.

To choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement, it is important to identify the subject and its number (singular or plural). Then, choose the verb form that agrees with the subject`s number. For example, “The dogs bark” is correct because the subject “dogs” is plural, and the verb “bark” agrees with the subject`s number.

Additionally, it is important to pay attention to subject-verb agreement when there are intervening words or phrases between the subject and the verb. For instance, “The group of friends is going to the mall” is correct, even though the intervening phrase “of friends” may confuse the subject-verb agreement.

In conclusion, choosing the sentence with the correct subject-verb agreement is crucial for both good writing and SEO. Writers should always double-check their work before publishing to avoid any errors that could affect the quality of their content. By following these simple rules, writers can produce high-quality content that will be engaging to the reader and rank well in search engines.