[Grammar] Using I'm or am

Status
Not open for further replies.

tangwa

New member
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Afrikaans
Home Country
Cameroon
Current Location
Cameroon
[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
Welcome to the forums, tangwa. Do you mean the difference between "I'm" and "I am"? If so, there is no difference in meaning.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
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
Do you mean contractions should not be used in formal writing?
 

Rover_KE

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
@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").
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top