Rewritten title The Tense Structure of the Original Headline
When it comes to writing headlines, the tense structure can make all the difference in how effective they are for purposes. As an editor, it's important to understand the various tense structures that can be used and when they are appropriate.
The Importance of the Present Tense
One of the most common tense structures found in headlines is the present tense. This is because it gives the impression that the information in the article is current and up-to-date. Using the present tense also encourages readers to click on the article, as they feel that they are receiving the latest information on a particular topic.
For example, consider the following headline:
Original: How to Improve Your Rankings
Rewritten: Improving Your Rankings: The Techniques You Need to Know
By changing "How to Improve" to "Improving," the headline is now in the present tense and gives the impression that the article contains current information.
The Power of the Past Tense
While the present tense is effective for conveying current information, the past tense can be equally powerful when used correctly. The past tense can be used to describe past events or steps taken in the past to achieve a certain result.
For example, consider the following headline:
Original: Top Tips for the Year
Rewritten: The Best Techniques That Worked Last Year
By changing "Top Tips" to "The Best Techniques That Worked," the headline is now in the past tense and implies that the techniques mentioned in the article have already been proven to work.
The Nuances of the Future Tense
The future tense is not as commonly used in headlines, but it can be effective in certain situations. It can be used to indicate upcoming events or changes that are expected to occur in the future.
For example, consider the following headline:
Original: Why Will Change in the Future
Rewritten: The Future of : What Changes You Can Expect to See
By changing "Why Will Change" to "The Future of ," the headline is now in the future tense and implies that changes are expected to occur.
Conclusion
As an editor, it's important to understand the nuances of tense structures in headlines. By using the right tense structure, you can make your headlines more effective for purposes. Whether it's using the present tense to convey current information, the past tense to describe the steps that have already been taken, or the future tense to indicate upcoming changes, the tense structure of a headline can have a significant impact on its effectiveness.