As a copy editor, it`s essential to be mindful of the language we use when creating content. One of the common mistakes we see is the use of contractions instead of full forms of words. While contractions are a natural part of our everyday language, they can negatively impact the readability and SEO of content.
Contractions are shortened versions of two words, typically combining a subject pronoun and a verb. For instance, “it`s” is a contraction of “it is,” and “I`m” is a contraction of “I am.” While contractions can make writing seem more conversational and informal, using full forms of words can add clarity and make content more professional.
When it comes to SEO, full forms of words can boost content optimization. This is because search engines prefer longer-form content that is informative and detailed, which full forms of words often provide. It`s also easier for search engines to understand the meaning of full forms of words than contractions.
Using full forms of words instead of contractions is especially important when writing content for formal or professional audiences, such as business reports or academic papers. Using contractions in such cases can make content seem too casual or informal and can negatively impact the credibility of the information presented.
To avoid making this mistake, here are some examples of common contractions and their full forms:
– It`s (it is)
– Can`t (cannot)
– I`m (I am)
– Don`t (do not)
– Won`t (will not)
– He`s (he is)
– She`s (she is)
– They`re (they are)
– We`re (we are)
In conclusion, while contractions may be a natural part of our language, using full forms of words can add clarity and professionalism to content. It`s important to be mindful of the language we use and to ensure that our content is optimized for SEO and readability. By choosing full forms of words instead of contractions, copy editors can create high-quality content that is informative and credible.