Intro
Track a controlled set of plural and singular query forms in GSC so you can compare how SERP behaviour changes across number variants.
Use this regex to capture a practical set of singular and plural terms when you want to compare query wording patterns in Search Console.
The Regex
How This Regex Works (Explained Simply)
()
Parentheses group terms together so GSC treats them as one unit. That is what lets one regex cover several query variants in a single filter.
|
The pipe means OR. GSC will match any term on either side of the pipe, which is useful for variants, modifiers, or alternative phrases.
\b
Backslash-b marks a word boundary. It helps stop short terms from matching inside longer words in GSC queries.
GSC regex is case-insensitive by default, so capital letters do not need separate variants. GSC also uses partial matching by default, so the regex can match part of a longer query unless you anchor it with ^ or $.
What This Regex Does
- Matches both singular and plural versions of the listed nouns.
- Lets you compare SERP performance across number variants.
- Works best when you apply it to a controlled set of terms rather than trying to stem everything.
What it does not match
- seo templates for clients - Templates only matches if you use the variation.
- seo platform comparison - Platform is not in the listed noun set.
Edge Cases
- This is a controlled vocabulary recipe, not a generic stemming solution.
- Add only the noun pairs that matter to your reporting question.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| seo tool comparison | Match | Tool is explicitly included. |
| seo dashboards for agencies | Match | Dashboards is explicitly included. |
| seo templates for clients | No | Templates only matches if you use the variation. |
| seo platform comparison | No | Platform is not in the listed noun set. |
How to Use This in Google Search Console
- Open Performance and go to Search results.
- Click Add filter and choose Query.
- Select Custom (regex).
- Paste the regex and click Apply.
When to Use This
- Compare CTR and rankings for singular and plural keyword variants.
- Spot whether one form maps to category pages while the other maps to product pages.
- Create tighter reporting around a controlled noun set.
Pro Tips
- Do not try to solve all singular and plural logic in one regex; keep it focused to the nouns you actually care about.
- Compare landing pages because plural forms often map to list or category intent while singular forms can map to definitions or specific pages.
- Use exports to split singular and plural rows after filtering.
- Expand the noun list only when the extra terms are strategically relevant.
Variations
Include template nouns
Adds another singular/plural noun pair to the controlled set.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for Category Queries
Use this regex to isolate category-style queries in GSC when users browse a broader product group rather than a single item.
Regex for Query Expansion
Use this regex to organise query-expansion work in GSC by grouping common modifier families that often branch into new themes or adjacent pages.
CTA
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