Understanding Notional Subject-Verb Concord in SEO Context

Notional subject-verb concord is a fascinating aspect of English grammar that goes beyond the strict rules of formal subject-verb agreement. In today's SEO landscape, understanding and utilizing this concept can significantly improve the quality and relevance of your content, making it more reader-friendly and engaging.

What is Notional Subject-Verb Concord?

Notional subject-verb concord feels plural even if the grammatical number is singular, or vice versa. This is in contrast to formal grammatical rules, which are less about the feeling or notional aspect and more about adhering to established grammatical norms.

Examples of Notional Subject-Verb Concord

A riotously festive rainbow of handicrafts, souvenirs, toys, costumes, and snacks were all offered for sale at the fair.

A set of collectible spoons, all of them with plaques documenting their place of origin and significance are displayed on the kitchen wall.

The oil-producing nations of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Russia, along with Canada (often overlooked for the quiet powerhouse it actually is), is a bloc to be reckoned with.

This cup and saucer wasn’t used.

The Role of Informal Grammar in SEO Content

SEO content often aims to strike a balance between adhering to grammatical rules and appealing to a wider audience. Informal grammatical structures, such as notional subject-verb concord, can make your content more relatable and accessible, enhancing reader engagement. However, it is crucial to use these structures judiciously and ensure they do not compromise the clarity and accuracy of your message.

Tips for Effective Use of Notional Subject-Verb Concord in SEO Content

Incorporating Singular They

A common example of notional subject-verb concord is the use of singular they/them/their/themself. For instance:

Someone is not doing their job. It should be called to their attention. They should be told.

One is not doing his job. It should be called to his attention. He should be told.

While one and he are grammatically correct, singular they offers a more inclusive and gender-neutral option, making your content more appealing to a broader audience.

Maintaining Tense Consistency

Consistency in tense usage is vital for clear communication. Create a subject-verb tense grid, noting the conjugation for various subjects and tenses:

PersonSimple Tense for the Verb to Be 1st Person (I)I am 2nd Person (You)You are 3rd Person (He/She/It)He is/She is/It is 1st Person (We)We are 2nd Person (You)You are 3rd Person (They)They are

SEO Content Optimization

Optimizing your SEO content for notional subject-verb concord involves striking a balance between formal and informal language. Use informal structures judiciously to enhance readability and engagement, while ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness:

Avoid overly formal language: Use singular they, for example, instead of one.

Use clear and concise language: Ensure that your content is easily understood by a wide audience.

Test for readability: Use tools like the Flesch-Kincaid readability test to ensure your content is accessible to your target audience.

Monitor user engagement: Analyze metrics like bounce rate and time spent on page to gauge the effectiveness of your notional concord usage.

Conclusion

Notional subject-verb concord is a valuable tool for enhancing the readability and appeal of your SEO content. By incorporating informal grammatical structures judiciously, you can create content that engages your audience and improves your SEO performance. However, it is essential to maintain clarity and accuracy to ensure that your content is well-received and ranks well in search results.