As a copy editor, it is important to ensure that all written content is free of grammatical errors and inconsistencies. One common issue that can arise is unsound agreement, which occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence do not match in number or person. This can lead to confusion and make the writing appear unprofessional.
Unsound agreement can take many forms, such as using a plural verb with a singular subject or vice versa. For example, saying “The dog barks loudly” is correct, while saying “The dogs bark loudly” is also correct because there are multiple dogs. However, saying “The dog bark loudly” is incorrect because the subject and verb do not agree in number.
Another common form of unsound agreement is using a singular verb with a plural subject or vice versa. For example, saying “The students is studying” is incorrect because there are multiple students, and the correct verb form should be plural: “The students are studying.”
Unsound agreement can also occur when the subject and verb do not agree in person, meaning they do not correspond to the same speaker. For example, saying “He want to go to the store” is incorrect because the subject (he) is third person singular, while the verb (want) is first or second person singular.
To avoid unsound agreement, it is essential to review sentences carefully and ensure that the subject and verb match in number and person. This involves understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement, which can vary depending on the sentence structure and context.
As a professional, it is also important to consider the impact of unsound agreement on search engine optimization. Search engines prioritize high-quality content that is free of errors and inconsistencies, so content that contains unsound agreement may be penalized in search rankings and appear lower in search results.
In summary, unsound agreement is a common issue in writing that can lead to confusion and detract from the professionalism of the content. As a copy editor, it is important to be aware of the rules of subject-verb agreement and review content thoroughly to ensure that all sentences are grammatically correct and free of errors.