What is the difference between I'm and am and when should I use either one?
T tangwa New member Joined Mar 26, 2014 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Afrikaans Home Country Cameroon Current Location Cameroon Mar 26, 2014 #1 [h=2]What is the difference between I'm and am and when should I use either one?[/h]
bhaisahab Moderator Staff member Joined Apr 12, 2008 Member Type Retired English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country England Current Location Ireland Mar 26, 2014 #2 Welcome to the forums, tangwa. Do you mean the difference between "I'm" and "I am"? If so, there is no difference in meaning.
Welcome to the forums, tangwa. Do you mean the difference between "I'm" and "I am"? If so, there is no difference in meaning.
T Tdol No Longer With Us (RIP) Staff member Joined Nov 13, 2002 Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location Japan Mar 26, 2014 #3 Always use I am in formal writing. Informally, I'm is fine in most contexts.
Matthew Wai VIP Member Joined Nov 29, 2013 Member Type Native Language Chinese Home Country China Current Location China Mar 26, 2014 #4 Do you mean contractions should not be used in formal writing?
R Rover_KE Moderator Staff member Joined Jun 20, 2010 Member Type Retired English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country England Current Location England Mar 26, 2014 #5 @Matthew: In most cases — yes (unless quoting what somebody else said or wrote). @tangwa: Most contractions can be used at the end of a sentence, but not "I'm". "Phoebe likes veal, but I don't." "Hector isn't going out tonight, but I am" (not "I'm").
@Matthew: In most cases — yes (unless quoting what somebody else said or wrote). @tangwa: Most contractions can be used at the end of a sentence, but not "I'm". "Phoebe likes veal, but I don't." "Hector isn't going out tonight, but I am" (not "I'm").
5 5jj Moderator Staff member Joined Oct 14, 2010 Member Type English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country Czech Republic Current Location Czech Republic Mar 26, 2014 #6 Yes. We are becoming more relaxed about this, but generally people still avoid contractions in formal writing. The more formal the writing, the less acceptable are contactions. If in doubt, don't contract, do not contract.
Yes. We are becoming more relaxed about this, but generally people still avoid contractions in formal writing. The more formal the writing, the less acceptable are contactions. If in doubt, don't contract, do not contract.