Grammar: What Is the Point of Contractions?
Contractions have been a topic of debate in the grammar world for decades. Some people believe that contractions are essential in informal writing, while others argue that they are completely unnecessary and even unprofessional. So, what is the point of contractions?
Contractions are shortened versions of two words, typically a subject and a verb. For example, “I am” becomes “I`m” and “they will” becomes “they`ll”. Contractions are commonly used in speech, and they are often used in informal writing as well.
One of the main benefits of using contractions is that they make your writing sound more conversational. They allow you to convey a tone that is friendlier and more approachable. This is especially true in marketing and advertising copy, where the goal is often to establish a connection with the reader.
Another advantage of using contractions is that they can help your writing flow more smoothly. Long, complex sentences can be hard to follow, and contractions can help break up the monotony. They can also help you avoid repetition. For example, instead of writing “they are going to the store and they are going to the restaurant”, you can write “they`re going to the store and restaurant”.
However, some people argue that contractions have no place in formal writing. They believe that contractions are too casual and should be avoided at all costs. This is particularly true in academic writing, where the tone is often more formal and serious.
It`s important to note that there is no hard and fast rule about when to use contractions. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and depends on your audience, your message and your tone. If you`re writing a business proposal to a formal audience, it might be best to avoid contractions. However, if you`re writing a blog post to a more casual audience, contractions might be perfectly appropriate.
In addition, it`s important to use contractions consistently throughout your writing. Mixing contractions with full words can be jarring and disrupt the flow of your writing. If you choose to use contractions, make sure to use them consistently throughout your document.
In conclusion, contractions can be a valuable tool in your writing arsenal. They can help you establish a more conversational tone, improve flow and avoid repetition. However, they should be used appropriately depending on your audience and the tone you`re trying to convey. Ultimately, it`s up to you to decide whether to use contractions or not.