As a copy editor, one of the most common errors I come across is incorrect subject-verb agreement. This is especially true when it comes to sentences that involve two nouns. In these cases, it can be confusing to determine which noun is the subject and which is the object.
To ensure proper subject-verb agreement, it is necessary to identify the subject of the sentence. This is the noun that is performing the action in the sentence. Once you have identified the subject, you can then match the verb to it.
In sentences with two nouns, it is important to remember that the subject is not always the first noun in the sentence. The subject can be either the first or second noun, depending on the context of the sentence.
For example, consider the following sentence: “The dog and the cat plays together.” Here, the subject is “dog and cat” which is a collective noun and therefore, the verb should be plural i.e. “play” instead of “plays”.
Another example would be “The teacher and the student is discussing a project.” The correct verb agreement here would be “are discussing” since the subject is a plural collective noun.
It is important to remember that subject-verb agreement is critical in creating clear, effective sentences. By ensuring that the subject and verb in your sentences agree, you can avoid confusion and miscommunication. This is especially important in SEO copywriting, where clear and concise language can help improve search engine rankings.
In conclusion, when dealing with two nouns in a sentence, it is crucial to determine which noun is the subject and which is the object. By doing so, you can ensure that the subject-verb agreement is correct and the sentence is clear and effective. Remember to always review your work for proper subject-verb agreement before publishing it, as this is key to creating high-quality content.