Contractions

1. Contractions

2. What are contractions? A contraction is the shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by omission of internal letters. Contractions are words like cant, don’t, he’ll, she’ll, ect.

3. Contractions is an informal way of writing. The formal way to write a word with a contraction would be like • I'm: I am • Can't: can not • We've: we have • She'll: she will • He's: he is • They'd: they would • Won't: will not • Weren't: were not • Wasn't: was not • Wouldn't: would not • Shouldn't: should not • Isn't: is not

4. Technically speaking, contractions aren't necessary in written English. Using the full version of a word is always grammatically correct. However, there are a number of reasons why contractions do serve a valuable stylistic purpose. For example: • Contractions make your writing seem friendly and accessible. They give the appearance that you are actually "talking" to your reader. • When writing dialogue in a novel or play, contractions help reflect how a character actually speaks. • Contractions help to save space when preparing advertisements, slogans, and other written works that must be short and to the point.

5. They're, their, and there are also quite commonly confused words among students who are learning about contractions. They're is a contraction for they are. For example: • They're happy to see me. • I think they're very nice boys. • In my opinion, they're a fine group of athletes.

6. While contractions can be very useful in written English, many experts caution against the use of contractions in formal communication. Since contractions tend to add a light and informal tone to your writing, they are often inappropriate for academic research papers, business presentations, and other types of official correspondence. However, this rule does have some flexibility. In general, it's best to use your own judgment when deciding if contractions are appropriate for a particular piece.

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