27 Aug Arch Agreement

As a professional, I`m often tasked with ensuring that website content is not only grammatically correct, but also optimized for search engines. One aspect of SEO that can sometimes be overlooked is arch agreement.

Arch agreement, also known as archaic agreement, refers to the agreement between the subject and verb in sentences where the subject is a collective noun or a noun that represents a group of individuals. In traditional grammar rules, collective nouns were treated as singular, and the verb that follows would also be singular. However, modern usage has shifted towards plural agreement with collective nouns.

For example, consider the sentence “The team runs onto the field.” In traditional grammar, “team” would be considered singular, and the verb “runs” would be in agreement. However, in modern usage, “team” can be seen as representing a group of individuals, and thus, the verb should be plural: “The team run onto the field.”

Using archaic agreement can sometimes be seen as outdated or overly formal in modern writing, but there are certain situations where it may be more appropriate. For example, in legal or technical writing where precision and consistency are important, archaic agreement may be preferred.

When it comes to SEO, archaic agreement may not have a significant impact on search engine rankings, but it can affect readability and user experience. Inconsistent or confusing language can lead to a higher bounce rate and lower engagement on a website.

As a copy editor, it`s important to be aware of archaic agreement and to make informed decisions based on the context and audience of the content being edited. Ultimately, the goal is to create content that is both grammatically correct and effectively optimized for search engines and user experience.