Which is the Correct Sentence: 'All he does is play video games' or 'All he does is playing video games'? A Guide to English Grammar and SEO

When it comes to English sentence structure, it is essential to understand the nuances that can significantly affect comprehension and the overall grammatical correctness of a sentence. This article focuses on a common point of confusion: the correct construction to use when stating what someone consistently does in their free time. We will explore whether 'All he does is play video games' or 'All he does is playing video games' is more appropriate. Additionally, we will discuss the implications for SEO optimization and the importance of avoiding run-on sentences.

Which is the Correct Sentence?

The correct sentence structure is 'All he does is play video games.' This form is used in the present tense to describe an ongoing action or a habitual behavior. Adding the -ing suffix in 'All he does is playing video games' can be misleading as it implies something not in the present tense. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Present Tense vs. Continuous Tense

In the first sentence, 'play' is in the simple present tense, which is used to describe habitual actions or situations that are always true. In the second sentence, 'playing' with the continuous tense form (i.e., -ing form) can be interpreted as an ongoing action, which may not be the intended meaning. It is important to use the present tense to convey a habit or consistent behavior.

2. Rules of Grammar

All he does implies a habitual action, and play video games is the correct form to use in the simple present tense. By adding the -ing suffix to create playing video games, it may imply that the action is currently occurring, which is not the intended meaning.

For example, if you say, 'All she does is reading books,' it implies that her entire day is consumed by reading books. There is no continuous action indicated here; it's a habitual behavior. Similarly, 'All he does is play video games' should be in the simple present tense to indicate his consistent behavior.

SEO Optimization and Sentence Structure

While the choice of sentence structure does not directly impact SEO ranking factors, the readability and grammatical correctness of content play a significant role in user experience. Google and other search engines prioritize content that is well-written, grammatically correct, and easy to understand. This is why understanding sentence structure is crucial for optimizing content not just for search engines but also for human readers.

3. Clear and Concise Writing

Clear and concise writing enhances user engagement and decreases bounce rates. A well-structured sentence that is grammatically correct can improve the overall SEO performance of a website. Additionally, proper writing helps readers quickly grasp the meaning and context of the content, which is crucial for maintaining audience interest.

Common Sentence Structures and Their Usage

While 'All he does is play video games' is the correct form, there are other sentence structures that can convey similar meanings, and it's useful to understand how to use them appropriately:

4. Two Actions in One Sentence

If you want to describe two activities, you might use a structure like this: 'Playing video games and partying are both a waste of time.' Here, the sentence uses a list of activities and the subject 'Playing video games and partying' is singular, thus requiring the singular verb form.

For example, if you are referring to multiple activities, you might say: 'All these activities are a waste of time,' as 'these activities' is plural.

5. Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence is a sentence that combines two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions. For example, 'Playing video games and partying all this is a waste of time' or 'Playing video games and partying all these are a waste of time' are both run-on sentences. The correct way to write these sentences is to separate the clauses:

'Playing video games and partying are all a waste of time.' [Ok.]

'Playing video games and partying are a waste of time.' [Better. All is redundant. ]

Conclusion

Understanding English grammar and sentence structure is essential for clear communication and for SEO optimization. Choosing the correct sentence structure ensures that your content is easily understandable and enhances the overall reading experience for your audience. By avoiding run-on sentences and using proper grammatical structures, you can improve the readability and SEO of your web content.