As a professional, one of the most common questions I receive is, “How do I know if these are real contractions?” This can be a tricky question to answer, as there are several different types of contractions, and not all of them are widely accepted or used in written English. In this article, we will explore the various types of contractions and provide some tips for determining whether they are appropriate for your writing.
First, let`s define what we mean by “contraction.” A contraction is a shortened form of two or more words that are combined into one word, usually by omitting one or more letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. For example, “can not” becomes “can`t” and “is not” becomes “isn`t.”
The most common type of contraction is the “standard contraction,” which includes words like “can`t,” “won`t,” “don`t,” and “aren`t.” These contractions are widely accepted and commonly used in both spoken and written English, so you can feel confident using them in most contexts.
Another type of contraction is the “informal contraction,” which includes words like “gotta,” “wanna,” and “gonna.” These contractions are more colloquial and are not usually considered appropriate for formal writing, although they can be used in dialog or in other situations where a more informal tone is appropriate.
A third type of contraction is the “non-standard contraction,” which includes words like “ain`t” and “y`all.” These contractions are considered non-standard because they are not widely accepted as part of standard English, although they may be more common in certain dialects or regional variations of the language.
So how can you determine whether a contraction is appropriate for your writing? Here are a few tips:
1. Consider the context. Are you writing a formal essay or a creative writing piece? The tone and style of your writing will help determine whether contractions are appropriate.
2. Check the style guide. If you are writing for a specific publication or organization, be sure to consult their style guide to see if they have any specific guidelines regarding contractions.
3. Read your writing aloud. This can help you hear whether contractions sound natural and appropriate in the context of your writing.
4. Avoid overusing contractions. While contractions can help make your writing more conversational and engaging, using too many of them can make your writing seem unprofessional or sloppy.
In conclusion, contractions can be a useful tool for adding personality and clarity to your writing, but it`s important to use them appropriately. By considering the context, consulting style guides, and reading your writing aloud, you can make informed decisions about whether to use contractions in your writing.