Here are 2 examples of how Google ranking is now based on semantics structures in accordance with their new patent.
First Example refers to Page Title, Headings, Content and Keywords and how it affects Google Ranking.
Semantic Closeness as a Ranking Signal defined by Google
You can clearly see in the snapshot above that in order for me to land on Page One of the Google search “Write For a Living”, it was essential for me to use this term in my Page Title, Heading 2, First Paragraph, and in the content.
Significance is then placed on the importance and relevance of my page to Google regarding helping writers write for a living.
Example 2 refers to listings and Semantic Structures.
Lists amplify search words
You can deduce from the above screenshot that using lists drives your SEO. Each item listed is semantically amplified because they are all relevant to the keywords, which you find in the Title.
It would also then be safe to learn that the visual distance in each listing would then in no way lower your SEO purely because the “listing” effect binds the items, the keywords, and the title.
By discerning Semantic Closeness from the above example we can see that the Search Engines still find my page relevant in terms of “Write”, “Freelance Writing”, “Writing Careers”, and “Writing Jobs”
Article Source: http://thewritestyles.com/2-ways-semantics-affects-your-google-ranking/