Does it matter if link is Plural?

Does Google distinguish?

[pikapp44]

If I have a site being linked to with the anchor text "widget services online" will Google only recognize "services" as plural or will I be ranked also for the phrase "widget service online" with the singular "service"?

Does Google distinguish plural and singular keywords as totally distinct or does Google give you credit for both?

[rfgdxm1]

To Google, "service" and "services" are totally different search terms.

[netguy]

Unfortunately, Google looks at plural and singular keywords independently. So you need some SEO to cover both on your site.

[pikapp44]

I notice on Overture search term suggestion tool that almost all results come back in the singular while on the Google adword suggestion tool, it gives both singular and plural --

Concerning Overture - almost all results are singular like "widget online", so do users mostly use the singular or is this just how the Overture tool displays its results but really means boths singular and plural

[netguy]

Overture wants to find as much cross-over as possible, but in the case of Google, I've noticed most are plural (particularly on products). People tend to quiry how they think: they are looking for "cameras" not looking for "camera." Although the gross number of websites may be higher for singular (since this includes related text articles, etc), I believe more 'buyers' will be typing in the plural keyword.

I would build up a slight edge in designing around plural keywords, but certainly don't ignore singular either.

[netguy]

Just thought of something else... we do allot of banner ads, and we buy inventory based on number of times people type in the keyword. AltaVista, and most all search engines give you a detailed breakdown of your specific industry, and how much are available, i.e.

fax machine 22,574 /mo
fax machines 28,789 /mo

[pikapp44]

Thanks for your help everybody.