sbrodsky
Junior Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2010
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Russian
- Home Country
- Russian Federation
- Current Location
- United States
This topic is about contractions like I’m, she’s, it’s, you’re, he’ll, I’ve, I’d, can’t, don’t, etc.
Long time ago, I learned the following rule about contractions: They are alright but in speech ONLY. They are not advisable in writing (except of direct speech).
So, you can say, “I’m happy”. But in writing it should be: “I am happy”.
Though, it is OK with direct speech in writing: He said, “I’m happy”.
This rule is applicable only for formal writing. (But honestly, I do not know what formal writing is).
Later I realized that people started using contractions in writing more and more often. Now people criticize me for not using contractions in writing.
So my question is: “Is that wrong if I never use contractions in writing?”
In e-mails? In published fiction?
I admit only two exceptions: direct speech and “let’s” vs “let us”. For example, “Let’s go (somewhere)”. Otherwise it cannot be confused with “Let us go (free)”.
Thank you.
Long time ago, I learned the following rule about contractions: They are alright but in speech ONLY. They are not advisable in writing (except of direct speech).
So, you can say, “I’m happy”. But in writing it should be: “I am happy”.
Though, it is OK with direct speech in writing: He said, “I’m happy”.
This rule is applicable only for formal writing. (But honestly, I do not know what formal writing is).
Later I realized that people started using contractions in writing more and more often. Now people criticize me for not using contractions in writing.
So my question is: “Is that wrong if I never use contractions in writing?”
In e-mails? In published fiction?
I admit only two exceptions: direct speech and “let’s” vs “let us”. For example, “Let’s go (somewhere)”. Otherwise it cannot be confused with “Let us go (free)”.
Thank you.