What Are Contractions And How Do You Use Them?

When we talk to each other, we often want to get straight to the point and use fewer, shorter words whenever possible. In order to do this, we often rely on a group of words known as contractions, which include words like I’ll, we’ve, and wasn’t. These shortened words are great in speech and we make good use of them in writing, too. But are they appropriate in every situation? Let’s find out!

What are contractions?

A contraction is a shortened version of a word or group of words that is formed by replacing the omitted letters with an apostrophe. For example, the word ne’er is a contraction of the word never. A contraction formed from multiple words is typically shortened into a single word. For example, the single word we’re is a contraction of the words we are.

Contractions are commonly used in speech and certain types of writing. In general, they are used because they make speech and writing shorter and easier to understand, which is useful for making casual speech and writing brief and to the point.

Informal vs. formal writing

Although contractions are useful words, we use them differently depending on the situation. In speech, contractions are extremely common even in the most formal of occasions. In writing, though, whether or not it is appropriate to use contractions will depend on the situation.

Informal writing

Because they shorten sentences and are so common in speech, contractions are very common in informal writing. Using contractions is a good way to establish a friendly tone with an audience and makes writing quicker and easier to read, which also helps attract an audience.

That being the case, you are very likely to see contractions used in feature articles, social media posts, blogs, and many other examples of informal writing. In fact, contractions are so commonly used that some of them have led to common grammar errors. For example, the contractions should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve are often heard in speech as “should of,” “could of,” and “would of.” As a result, people often mistakenly use these phrases instead of the contractions that they sound similar to.

Learn about a few uncommon contractions (and then try using them!).

Sometimes, writers will specifically choose to use contractions for reasons other than the fact that they just come naturally. Because contractions are so common in verbal communication, a writer/author may choose to use them to mimic conversational speech. For example, a story may include dialogue that reads I s’pose he’d’ve done nothin’ ‘bout it. Contraction-heavy sentences like this make dialogue sound more like natural speech.

Contractions are also commonly used in poetry, especially older poetry. For example, a line of poetry may read ’Twas ne’er a time o’ peace oft’ known. A poet may choose to use contractions for several different reasons, such as for brevity or to stick to a syllable count or specific meter.

Formal writing

While contractions are embraced in informal writing, the same cannot be said for formal writing. Most grammar resources and style guides agree that contractions are inappropriate in formal writing and should typically be avoided. This is especially likely to be the case in scholarly writing such as scientific research papers or academic papers. Formal works such as these come with the expectation that the writer is being thorough, studious, thoughtful, and organized. Using contractions can harm an author’s credibility as they often give the impression that a writer is taking shortcuts and not giving their topic their full attention or care. To avoid this outcome, contractions are typically left out of most formal writing. 

However, there are a few specific situations where contractions may be considered acceptable in formal writing. 

• If the work is actually about contractions, a writer will obviously need to include contractions in their writing. Trying to avoid using contractions in this situation will come off as needlessly distracting or awkward.
• If a writer is quoting speech or text that includes contractions, it is acceptable to include those same contractions in the quote. It is considered inappropriate and unethical to alter quotations without good reason, so quotes that include contractions are perfectly acceptable as long as the original source also used them. 
• If a writer is quoting a commonly used idiom that typically includes a contraction, it is appropriate to use a contraction. For example, expressions like Don’t bite the hand that feeds you and Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched are just two examples of idioms that would be fine to quote with contractions in formal writing. 
• A writer may use contractions in parentheticals or footnotes that are making jokes, including witty commentary, or are offering lighthearted opinions. Formal writing doesn’t have to be completely dry, and these asides are separate enough from the main text that a writer can typically use them to have a few personal anecdotes or casual comments. 

Even in the situations above, though, nonstandard contractions are still typically considered inappropriate and best avoided if possible. These include words like ain’t, shouldn’t’ve, and oughta. 

Now that you’ve learned more about contractions, you can see how useful they are. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for every situation. It’s best if you consider what kind of writing you’re doing before deciding if contractions are or aren’t appropriate!