Using contractions in formal essays

But is that true? It can be tricky to decipher whether or not using contractions is acceptable when writing a more formal piece. However, contractions are often quite helpful, even in professional writingand they may even add to the overall style and format of the text.

Many people avoid using contractions in formal writing because they are under the impression that contractions are only appropriate for casual writing and that they constitute non-standard grammar.

Are they really representative of sloppy writing? When is it okay to use contractions? Many automatic grammar-checking software packages will produce an error if you use a contraction within your written document and will instruct you to correct it.

But does the use of a contraction really constitute a mistake? In most cases, no. Sometimes you may want to structure a formal communication, informally. For example, if you are writing a formal letter to a customer, you may want the customer to feel that you are talking directly to them.

Contractions make the writing much more personal and friendly. When writing dialogue, it is generally more authentic if you use contractions. People use contractions all the time in their everyday speech and it is important that you replicate that in your writing. So, for example, if you are reproducing a customer testimonial, it is often useful to use contractions.

What do the Style Guides Say? The Gregg Reference Manual: Avoid excessive use of contractions. One of the best methods of achieving this is through the use of contractions. People are accustomed to hearing contractions in spoken English, and using them in your writing can help them relate to your message.

When it is not Okay to use Contractions Do not use contractions in documents that serve very formal purposes, such as legal contracts, submissions to professional publications.

Try to minimize the use of contractions in documents that will be read by people who speak English as a foreign language because they can confuse non-native speakers.

Need help to refine your English? Check out our proofreading services now.Academic essays are written in formal English. Contractions are used mostly in speech and informal writing, and most teachers discourage their use in academic essays.

A Brief History of Contractions

Contractions are also generally avoided in business reports and journal articles. Contractions in Formal Writing: What's Allowed, What's Not by Chelsea Lee Asking whether you should use contractions in formal academic writing is sort of like asking whether you should wear a bathing suit to a party—it depends on the type of party.

Using contractions in formal writing – such as scholarly works, résumés, essays, or publications – is often frowned upon because some people believe that contractions weaken a statement or make the writing seem too casual for the situation.

Contractions - Use in Formal Writing This regardbouddhiste.com article is about Contractions - Use in Formal Writing — enjoy your reading! 2, Views Don’t start using contractions at every single opportunity. It’s not as simple as . I will say that if you’re writing formal essays in high school, college, and grad school, you should probably avoid contractions, if only so you don’t ruin your grade.

However, if you’re writing anything remotely creative, and especially if you’re writing dialogue, you need to be using contractions.

Use contractions in formal writing if it will sound stranger to avoid them than to use them.

In fact, there were even contractions before the s, but at that time they usually weren’t indicated with an apostrophe, because the apostrophe was still a recent invention.