Subject-verb agreement is one of the most important aspects of grammar, especially when it comes to writing for the web. This is particularly true when writing about percentages, which require a careful approach to ensure grammatical consistency. In this article, we will explore the rules for subject-verb agreement on percentages and how they can impact your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

Firstly, it is important to understand that percentages are usually treated as singular, even when they refer to plural objects. For example, if we say “50% of the students are from out of state,” the subject is “50%” and should be treated as singular. Therefore, the verb must also be singular, as in “50% of the students is from out of state.”

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the percentage refers to a specific number, it should be treated as plural. For example, if we say “10% of the 200 students are from out of state,” the subject is “students” and should be treated as plural. Therefore, the verb must also be plural, as in “10% of the 200 students are from out of state.”

Another important consideration when writing about percentages is the use of decimals and fractions. In this case, the verb should match the closest whole number. For example, if we say “0.5% of the population is affected by the disease,” the subject is “0.5%” and should be treated as singular. Therefore, the verb must also be singular, as in “0.5% of the population is affected by the disease.”

When it comes to SEO, subject-verb agreement on percentages can have a significant impact on your search engine rankings. Search engines use complex algorithms to analyze and rank content, and grammatical errors can cause your content to appear lower in search results. By ensuring that your subject-verb agreement is consistent, you can improve the readability and SEO-friendliness of your content.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement on percentages is an important aspect of grammar that requires careful attention to ensure accuracy and consistency. By following these simple rules, you can improve the quality and SEO-friendliness of your content, ultimately leading to better search engine rankings and increased visibility online.