As a copy editor, my job is to make sure that content is clear, concise, and error-free. One area where I often see confusion is with contractions. Contractions are words that combine two words into one by omitting a letter (or letters) and replacing it with an apostrophe. For example, «don`t» is a contraction of «do not,» and «can`t» is a contraction of «cannot.»
But what does it feel like to use contractions in your writing? The answer is that it depends on the context. In some situations, contractions can make your writing feel more casual and conversational. They can help you sound more like a real person, rather than a stiff and formal academic.
For example, if you`re writing a blog post about your favorite TV show, using contractions can help you sound like you`re chatting with a friend. Your writing will flow more naturally, and your readers will be more likely to engage with your content.
On the other hand, if you`re writing a formal business letter or a research paper, using contractions may not be appropriate. In these contexts, you want to sound professional and authoritative. Using contractions can make your writing feel too informal and undermine your credibility.
So, what`s the takeaway here? As with many things in writing, it`s all about context. If you`re writing for an informal audience, contractions can be a great way to connect with your readers. But if you`re writing for a formal audience, it`s best to avoid them.
As a copy editor, my job is to help writers find the right balance between casual and formal writing. I can help you decide when to use contractions and when to avoid them. With my expertise, your writing will be clear, concise, and effective, no matter what audience you`re writing for.