As a copy editor, one of the most common issues I come across when reviewing content is the incorrect use of subject verb agreement with “you.” While it may seem simple, the rules around this grammar concept can be tricky, especially when it comes to writing for SEO purposes.

Subject verb agreement refers to the idea that the verb in a sentence should match the subject in terms of number. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

When it comes to “you,” things can get a little confusing. “You” can be used to refer to an individual person or a group of people, which means that the subject can be both singular and plural. This is where the confusion often arises.

In general, when “you” is used to refer to a single person, the verb should be singular. For example, “You are an excellent writer” is correct because “you” is referring to one individual person. However, when “you” is used to refer to a group of people, the verb should be plural. For example, “You all are great writers” is correct because “you” is referring to more than one person.

It`s important to note that some dialects, such as those in the southern United States, use “you all” or “y`all” as a plural form of “you.” In this case, the verb should always be plural because the subject is clearly a group of people.

When it comes to SEO, subject verb agreement is important because search engines are programmed to look for proper grammar and usage. If your content contains a lot of language that is grammatically incorrect, it could negatively impact your SEO rankings.

To ensure that your content is grammatically correct, it`s important to take the time to review it carefully. Don`t rely solely on spell check or grammar check tools, as they may not pick up on all errors. Instead, read through your content multiple times, paying close attention to subject verb agreement and other common grammar pitfalls.

In conclusion, subject verb agreement can be a challenge when it comes to using “you” in your writing. However, with a little extra attention and care, you can ensure that your content is grammatically correct and optimized for SEO success.