Contractions can be a tricky subject for anyone learning English as a second language or even for native speakers who are not familiar with their proper usage. Simply put, contractions are shortened versions of words created by combining two or more words to form a single word. They are widely used in English to make the language sound more conversational and natural.
Contractions are usually formed by combining a verb with a pronoun, an adverb, or a preposition. For example, “do not” becomes “don`t,” “cannot” becomes “can`t,” “should have” becomes “should`ve,” and so on. The apostrophe is used to replace the missing letters or syllables in the original words.
In addition to making the language sound more natural, contractions can also be used to convey different emotions or tones in writing. For example, using contractions in a formal document or academic paper may not be appropriate as it can make the writing seem less professional. However, using contractions in a blog post or social media update can make the writing appear more friendly and approachable.
It is important to note that there are certain rules to follow when using contractions in English. Contractions are only used in informal writing or speech, while formal writing like essays, research papers, and business reports usually require contracted words to be written out in full. Additionally, it is important to use contractions correctly to avoid confusing the reader or sounding uneducated.
For example, using “it`s” instead of “its” can change the meaning of a sentence. “It`s” is a contraction of “it is,” while “its” is a possessive pronoun. So saying “The dog chased it`s tail” is incorrect because it should be “The dog chased its tail.”
In conclusion, contractions are an essential part of English language and can greatly enhance the natural sound of writing and speech. Understanding the proper usage of contractions and when to use them can make a big difference in how your writing is perceived by your audience. As a copy editor, it is important to be familiar with the proper usage of contractions and to ensure that they are used correctly in any writing you edit.