[Clough]

Hi, All!

This is for Wondergirl, or anyone else who might be able to help.

I'm wondering about the proper use of contractions in speech or writing. When is it okay to use them, and when it might not be? I'm not sure if there's some sort of set standard.

I'm writing about the use of I am or I'm, is not or isn't, are not or aren't, will not or won't, etc.

To me, to not use contractions, makes a "bump" in the speech and writing pattern. Sometimes, it even sounds trite to not use the contractions. To use contractions helps to smooth out the writing or speech patterns so that there is more of a "flow" and rhythm to what is spoken or written.

But, that's just my opinion...

I had a friend criticize me for my lack of use of contractions in a letter that I wrote to someone a few years ago. He seemed to think that I should have used words that were all contractions, if it could have been done.

What is yours and the opinions of others, please?

Thanks!

[kp2171]

just my opinion here...

I prefer to not use contractions if the writing is more formal... avoid the use in academic papers or presentations... I have no problem using them with a more familiar audience or if it sounds more natural to how you would speak to that person or group...

would "I have a dream" and "Thank God Almighty, we are free at last" be less memorable if it simply were "I've a dream" and "we're free at last".. . I think it flows better without the contractions, it allows the speaker to place emphasis on powerful words, however simple... but it isn't wrong to use the contractions...

my line is write it how you would speak it to the audience you are addressing... with the exceptions being the clunky looking she'd've, wouldn't've, etc... we say these easily in unscripted speech, but they can be hard to read, especially out loud...

but feel free to ignore caps and to use an obscene amount of ellipses...

=)

[Clough]

just my opinion here...

i prefer to not use contractions if the writing is more formal...avoid the use in academic papers or presentations... i have no problem using them with a more familiar audience or if it sounds more natural to how you would speak to that person or group...

would "I have a dream" and "Thank God Almighty, we are free at last" be less memorable if it simply were "I've a dream" and "we're free at last"... ? ... i think it flows better without the contractions, it allows the speaker to place emphasis on powerful words, however simple... but it isn't wrong to use the contractions...

my line is write it how you would speak it to the audience you are addressing... with the exceptions being the clunky looking she'd've, wouldn't've, etc... we say these easily in unscripted speech, but they can be hard to read, especially out loud...

but feel free to ignore caps and to use an obscene amount of ellipses...

=)

You've definitely made some good points concerning whether what is written or made a part of a speech, kp2171!

Thanks!

[Eileen G]

I use contractions a lot in quotes or dialogue, not very often in normal writing. Kp2171 is right that not using them gives a different cadence to speech.