When it comes to writing a novel, there are many questions that authors ask themselves. One of the most common queries is whether or not to use contractions. Contractions are shortened versions of two words, such as “can`t” instead of “cannot” or “won`t” instead of “will not.” In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using contractions in your novel and how they can impact your story`s readability and SEO.
Pros of Using Contractions
Contractions can make your writing sound more conversational and natural. When people speak, they often use contractions, so incorporating them in your dialogue or narration can make your story feel more authentic. This can help your readers connect with your characters and become more invested in the story.
Using contractions can also help with the flow of your writing. Long, formal sentences without contractions can feel stilted and difficult to read. By using contractions, you can break up these longer sentences and make your writing easier to digest.
Cons of Using Contractions
While contractions can make your writing sound more natural, they can also make it sound less formal. If your novel is set in a very formal world or is written in a more traditional style, using contractions may not be appropriate.
Additionally, using too many contractions can make your writing feel lazy or unprofessional. If your novel is meant to be taken seriously or is targeted towards a more mature audience, using contractions may undermine the gravity of your work.
SEO Considerations
When it comes to SEO, using contractions can impact the way your content is indexed by search engines. Generally, search engines consider contractions to be a separate word from the two words they are derived from. This means that if you use “can`t” instead of “cannot,” search engines will view “can`t” as one word rather than two.
Using contractions can make your writing more conversational, which can help improve engagement and reduce bounce rates. However, it`s important to note that readability is about using conversational language, not just using contractions. If you want your content to rank well in search engines, you should focus on using language that is easy to read and understand.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to use contractions in your novel will depend on the style of writing that you`re going for. If you want your writing to feel natural and conversational, using contractions can be a great way to achieve that. However, if you`re going for a more formal or serious tone, avoiding contractions may be your best bet. And when it comes to SEO, using contractions can improve engagement and reduce bounce rates, but readability should always be your top priority.