Neither Nor Number Agreement: A Guide for Copy Editors
As a copy editor, one of your roles is to ensure that written content is not only grammatically correct but also optimized for search engines. One area where these two responsibilities intersect is in the use of neither nor constructions. In this article, we`ll explore neither nor number agreement and how it can affect SEO.
What is Neither Nor Number Agreement?
Neither nor constructions are used to express two negative ideas at the same time. For example, “Neither John nor Jane likes coffee.” In this sentence, neither John nor Jane has a liking for coffee. When it comes to number agreement, the verb that follows a neither nor construction should agree with the number of the subject closest to it.
For example, consider the sentence “Neither the cat nor the dogs like to swim.” In this case, the subject closest to the verb is “dogs,” which is plural, so the verb should be plural as well, making it “like” instead of “likes.”
Why is Neither Nor Number Agreement Important for SEO?
When it comes to SEO, keyword optimization is a critical factor in writing content that ranks well in search engines. This includes using keywords in the right places, such as headings, meta descriptions, and body text. However, if your content has grammatical errors, including errors in number agreement, it can negatively affect your SEO.
Search engines, such as Google, use algorithms to evaluate and rank content based on various factors, including readability, relevance, and authority. If your content has grammatical errors, it can impact its readability and relevance, which can lower its ranking in search results. This is why it`s crucial to ensure that your content is grammatically correct and optimized for SEO.
Tips for Ensuring Neither Nor Number Agreement in Content
To ensure that your content is grammatically correct and optimized for SEO, here are some tips for using neither nor constructions correctly:
1. Identify the subject closest to the verb in a neither nor sentence and ensure that the verb agrees in number with that subject.
2. Use a plural verb when both subjects are plural, and a singular verb when both subjects are singular.
3. If one subject is singular and the other is plural, use a plural verb.
In Conclusion
Neither nor constructions can be tricky to use correctly, especially when it comes to number agreement. However, as a copy editor, it`s essential to ensure that your content is grammatically correct and optimized for SEO. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your content adheres to neither nor number agreement, improving its readability, relevance, and ranking in search engines.