is it all right to contract "I am not" to "I'm not" or "I amn't"
a) in formal style
b) in informal style?
***NOT A TEACHER ***
Hello, Englishhobby:
(1) There is no contraction for "am not" in "good" English.
That is why people must say:
I am your best friend, am I not?
I am your best friend,
aren't I? (Yes, I know that "aren't" does not
match "I," but that is just one of the inconsistencies found in language.)
(2) Yes, there is a contraction for "am not," but today most (not all)
people feel that it is bad English:
ain't. If you use this word,
most (not all) Americans will feel that (a) you are not well-educated
or (b) you are trying to be funny (making a joke). I most respectfully
suggest that you NOT use it. When you become fluent in English, then
you can occasionally use it for a humorous effect.
Sincerely,
James
