Common SEO Errors: Grammatical and Punctuation Mistakes in SEO Content

SEO professionals often strive to produce high-quality, grammatically sound content to ensure their websites rank well in search engine results. However, even experts occasionally run into errors that can compromise the integrity of their content. One such common issue is grammatical errors in sentences. This article will explore a frequently encountered error in SEO content and offer solutions to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

The Sentence in Question

Consider the following sentence: “Is it in everyone elses best interests that this company carry on selling”.

Initial Analysis and Correction

This sentence is almost grammatically correct, but it needs two adjustments:

Re-add a question mark at the end to indicate it is a question.

Correct the plurality of 'interests' to match the singular subject 'everyone'.

Here are some alternative versions that are grammatically accurate:

Would it be in everyone else's best interest if this company carries on selling?

Is it in everyone else's best interest that this company continues selling?

Do you think that it is in everyone else's best interest that this company continue its selling operations?

Is it in everyone else's best interests that this company carry on selling widgets?

Grasping the Subjunctive Mood

Let's delve into the subjunctive form 'carry on'. The use of the subjunctive in this sentence is correct, and it is standard in American English. The UK often uses a different form, with the addition of 'should' (e.g., 'that this company should carry on selling'). However, the meaning remains the same in both cases.

Logical Considerations and Punctuation

While our focus has been on grammar and punctuation, it's important to also consider the logical implications of the sentence:

“Is it in everyone elses best interests that this company carry on selling?”
This sentence is not entirely error-free. 'Everyone else's' should be 'everyone's', and 'carry on' should have a question mark added at the end. However, let's tackle these issues one by one.

The term 'everyone else's' means 'all apart from you.' If this sentence were part of a mass mailing, it would be telling all the recipients that the company's sale is not in their best interest. This could be a significant issue, especially if the shipping is to shareholders or if management wishes the sale to proceed smoothly.

Revised and Clearer Version

A revised and clearer version might be:

“Is it in everyone's best interest that the sale of this company goes ahead as planned?”
This sentence corrects the plural issue and removes the logical fallacy related to 'everyone else's'. It is also presented as a statement rather than an ungrammatical question, which avoids any confusion.

Avoiding Grammatical and Punctuation Mistakes in SEO Content

To avoid making such mistakes, it's crucial to:

Use tools like Grammarly or similar software to catch errors during the writing process.

Check for logical consistency by considering the context and implications of your sentences.

Have a second set of eyes review your work to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Adopt a consistent style guide (e.g., AP Style Guide or Chicago Manual of Style) to maintain uniformity in your content.

By being vigilant and thorough in your content creation process, you can ensure that your SEO content is as effective as possible, both in terms of readability and search engine optimization.

Conclusion

The examples above highlight common issues in SEO content, particularly around grammar and punctuation. By addressing these issues, you can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your website, which ultimately improves your search engine rankings and reader engagement.