Contractions have been around much longer than most people think, but some argue that contractions shouldn’t be used in creative writing. I disagree.
In this episode of the Life Writers Vlog, I talk about contractions—how we shorten words using an apostrophe, like you’re for you are or it’s for it is.
While some believe contractions are a modern invention, they actually go back to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare’s plays, but they fell out of favor in the Victorian era and were seen as improper, a belief that still lingers today.
Some writers, editors, and even non-native English speakers avoid them entirely, but contractions can make writing feel more natural and conversational. Whether or not you use them is a personal choice.
What do you think? Do contractions make your writing more engaging, or do you prefer to leave them out? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
But remember, whether you contract or not, the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!
Until next time, happy writing!
I just find it really ironic that I submitted my story Birthin’ No Babies on the same week that Patricia had a Vlog on contractions.
I can’t, won’t and shouldn’t stop using contractions. It’s part of my Pittsburgh voice and I wouldn’t sound like myself if I didn’t use them. (I didn’t overdo this did I?)
I tend to use contractions by feel, depending mainly on the formality of the piece I’m writing. If it’s first person narrative, I use contractions in dialogue and in text. If I’m writing a story set in a more distant, or fantastical, time and place, I avoid most contractions because to me they have a more contemporary feel. There’s nothing hard and fast about it for me, as I adjust depending on how the piece reads and sounds. I think one of the challenges of avoiding contractions is that the writing can sound stilted or pompous as a result. Lynne… Read more »
Since I don’t write to become a famous author, I allow myself to pass my thoughts in a natural and more casual tone. This includes contractions and the occasional expression in a foreign tongue, especially when sharing experiences from abroad. I feel entitled to this. It makes my style authentic. It’s who I am. That being said, I must add that when I was in business, I adhered to the required formalities.
If writing for business, I never use contractions. In creative writing, I tend to agree that contractions can be good.
I agree. It’s unprofessional.
As someone for whom English is a second language, it took me a while to incorporate contractions in my writing. We do not have any contractions in the Russian language, just like we do not have the article (those little suckers still get me in trouble). Recently, I learned in a class that contractions are a must in a dialog. I use them there all the time. They make sense. This is how people talk. We do not speak the Queen’s English; we speak American English. I stay away from using contractions in descriptions because I find them distractive as… Read more »
Those ivy leaguers gotta realize dialog don’t work without contractions. Ya just hafta use em.
People do not use the kings English in daily interactions.
There are exceptions.
“Do not take another step”
Sounds more forceful and emphatic than
“Don’t take another step”
Mom never used contractions on those rare occasions when she was mad at me.
Dave, you’re using my words again. BTW, are words like gotta, hafta, allotta considered contractions?
I don’t know. We need a ruling from Patricia.
“Other than an abomination of the English language?” our British friends would ask. I’ve seen them called colloquial contractions. In casual speech, I think they’re fine. In writing, I line up with the Brits.
I can hear mom now. “David Godin, do not take another step.” That probably got your attention. More emphatic I bet.
So true. The “mom voice” tone and cadence always stopped me in my tracks.
I agree.