The Mystery of 'He' vs. 'Him' in Comparative Sentences: An SEO Guide for Google

As an SEO specialist at Google, it's essential to understand the nuances of English grammar, particularly in comparison structures where the choice between 'he' and 'him' can significantly impact clarity and the search engine's ability to index content effectively. This article explores the grammatical reasons behind the use of 'he' instead of 'him' in a specific clause and offers guidance on SEO optimization.

Introduction to Comparative Structures in English

Comparative sentences are used to compare two individuals or things. In English, the preposition 'than' is a key element in such comparisons. However, as we will explore, the usage of 'he' or 'him' in these structures can be confusing and is a common point of contention among writers and learners of the language. Understanding the correct usage can enhance the clarity of your content, which is crucial for effective SEO.

Grammar Rules in Comparative Structures

The example provided is a traditional usage where 'than' was regarded as a conjunction governing a clause that had been abbreviated:

A lesser man than he was might have simply given up.

This implied version, 'A lesser man than he was might have simply given up,' was later simplified to 'A lesser man than he might have simply given up.' However, the abbreviated version sounded odd to many people, leading to a collective decision among speakers that 'than' now governs a lone noun and should therefore take object case (i.e., 'than him').

Many English teachers have railed against this change, but it is now a common practice in spoken English. Therefore, you can still use the unabbreviated form, 'than he was,' but 'than he' in spoken English has been almost entirely replaced by 'than him.'

Practical Usage in Comparative Sentences

To clearly determine which word to use, one can slightly modify the sentence until it becomes clear whether 'he' or 'him' is appropriate. For example:

Example 1:

‘Tom threw the ball to Bill and me.’

or

‘Tom threw the ball to Bill and I.’

You wouldn’t say 'Tom threw the ball to I.' You would say 'Tom threw the ball to me.' Therefore, the correct sentence is 'Tom threw the ball to Bill and me.'

Example 2:

‘She has a longer nose than me.’

or

‘She has a longer nose than I.’

You wouldn’t say 'She has a longer nose than me have.' You would say 'She has a longer nose than I have.' Therefore, the correct sentence is 'She has a longer nose than I.'

Implications for SEO and Google Search

When crafting SEO content, it's crucial to ensure clarity and accuracy in language, as this directly impacts search engine indexation and user engagement. Misusing 'he' or 'him' in comparative structures can lead to misunderstood content, which can harm your SEO efforts. Google search algorithms are designed to understand the nuances of language, and using the correct form in your content can help it rank higher in search results.

Conclusion and SEO Best Practices

In summary, understanding the grammatical reasons behind the use of 'he' vs. 'him' in comparative structures is essential for effective SEO. As a Google SEO specialist, you should never be afraid to optimize your content for clarity and accuracy. Always double-check your usage of 'he' and 'him' to ensure that your content is not only grammatically correct but also indexed and understood by search engines optimally. Happy optimizing!