Understanding the Plurals of What and How SEO and Grammar Impact Online Visibility

Imagine you're writing a newspaper article, and someone points out that the piece has too many 'whats' in it. This is not just a common issue for journalists but also a key consideration for SEO practitioners. Today, we'll explore the plural forms of 'what,' examine the importance of proper grammar in SEO, and discuss how understanding these nuances can improve online visibility.

The Plural of What

The question at hand is whether 'whats' is indeed a valid plural form of 'what.' According to Merriam-Webster, 'whats' is recognized as the plural form of 'what.' This may come as a surprise to many, but it's important to note that it is used primarily in informal or colloquial language. For instance, you might find 'whats' used in casual texting, social media posts, or informal emails.

Here’s an example: 'What happened at the party?' might be condensed to 'What’s the deal with the party?' in a more relaxed context. However, in formal writing, 'whats' would not be appropriate and 'what's' (contraction of 'what is' or 'what are') should be used instead.

The Influence of Grammar on SEO

Grammar and the clarity of your content play a pivotal role in SEO. Search engines like Google use algorithms to understand the quality and relevance of a webpage's content. Poor grammar and spelling errors can negatively impact search engine rankings and user engagement.

1. Improving Readability

Readability is a significant factor in SEO. Search engines consider how easy it is for readers to parse and understand the content. Proper use of grammar, including correct plurals, can enhance the readability of an article. For instance, using the correct plural form of 'what' makes the text more readable and less confusing for the reader.

2. Keyword Usage and Relevance

Keywords are crucial for SEO. Using the correct form of a keyword (in this case, 'whats' or 'what's') ensures that your content is relevant and accurately represents what you're trying to convey. Relevant keywords help in improving the chances of your article appearing in search results for the intended terms. For example:

'What's the result of your search for "whats the deal with"?' (Correct) 'Whats the result of your search for "whats the deal with"?' (Incorrect and appears spammy)

3. Semantic Search and Natural Language

Google's AI and natural language processing (NLP) capabilities have significantly improved. They can now better understand the context and intent behind user queries. While using the correct form of a word is important, so is using language that sounds natural and is used by the target audience. This is where the distinction between formal and informal language becomes crucial. A mix of both can be beneficial in engaging a broader audience and improving user experience.

SEO Best Practices

To ensure that your content is optimized for SEO, follow these best practices:

Use keywords naturally and relevantly. Improve readability by using proper grammar and sentence structure. Provide value to the readers and address their queries effectively. Ensure that the content is engaging and informative. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability. Integrate meta descriptions and alt tags for images that include relevant keywords. Use internal and external linking to improve user engagement and reduce bounce rates.

Conclusion

While the plural form of 'what' can be an interesting linguistic discussion, it's essential to remember that proper grammar and accurate keyword usage play a crucial role in enhancing the SEO of your content. By mastering these elements, you can improve your online visibility and attract a wider audience to your website. Whether you're a journalist or a digital marketer, taking the time to ensure your content is grammatically correct and relevant can lead to significant improvements in search engine rankings and user engagement.