What are Some Examples of Contractions in Formal Writing?

Contractions in formal writing are generally avoided due to their informal nature. However, understanding the types of contractions that can and cannot be used in formal contexts is crucial. This article provides insights into the appropriate use of contractions, including abbreviations and acronyms, in formal writing and illustrates with examples from reputable sources such as the LA Times, The New York Times, and The Atlantic.

Abbreviations and Acronyms in Formal Writing

Contractions can appear in formal writing as abbreviations and acronyms. These are shorthand forms that use the initials of the words. The use of these abbreviations and acronyms can make your text more concise and polished. Here are some examples of common abbreviations and acronyms: The UK (United Kingdom) The US (United States) The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) BC (Before Christ) AD (Anno Dominici) MA (Master of Arts) PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) AM PM (Ante Meridiem Post Meridiem) RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus)

Contractions Which Cannot Be Used in Formal Writing

Contractions that are derived from verbs, adjectives, and nouns are generally considered informal and should be avoided in formal writing. Examples include: Id shes theyre gonna wont comfy meds specs and stats. Instead, these contractions should be written in full, such as: I would, she is, they are, will not, comfortable, medications, specifications, and statistics.

Examples of Contractions in Formal Writing

While contractions are generally avoided in formal writing, there are certain contexts where they might be acceptable, especially in more conversational or opinion-based pieces. Here are a few examples from reputable sources:

Example 1: LA Times - Op-Ed: Think Bigger

From: Op-Ed: Think bigger. Switching to electric cars isn’t enough.

u201CIt might feel like the easy solution — just replace your gas-guzzling SUV with an electric SUV and if everyone does that eventually we’ll solve climate change.u201D

Example 2: Local Immigration Law Article

From: A newspaper article on immigration

u201CVictims of socialist tyranny in other words reduced to political pawns by Republicans who aren’t bright enough to embrace such people.u201D

Example 3: Opinion Piece by a Professor at Columbia University

From: The New York Times - Opinion Piece by a Columbia University Linguistics Professor

u201CI do not condemn white authors writing Black fictional characters who speak Black English so long as it’s a respectful and realistic rendition. [...] Now that I’ve laid out a primer on my opinions people who write me seeking support should keep in mind that quite a few Black people consider my stances on race to be a revolting kind of heresy.u201D

Example 4: The Atlantic on Continuing Deaths from COVID

From: An article by The Atlantic on continuing deaths from COVID

u201CFor the past five months or so the United States has trod along something of a COVID-death plateau. This is good in the sense that after two years of breakneck spikes and plummets the past five months are the longest we’ve gone without a major surge in deaths since the pandemicu2019s beginning and the current numbers are far below last winter’s Omicron highs.u201D

Conclusion

While contractions should generally be avoided in formal writing, understanding where and how they might be used can help enhance your writing style. By knowing the differences between contractions that are acceptable and those that are not, you can improve your formal writing and make it more engaging without sacrificing formality.

References

LA Times - Op-Ed: Think bigger. Switching to electric cars isn’t enough A newspaper article on immigration in a local newspaper The New York Times - Opinion Piece by a Columbia University Linguistics Professor The Atlantic on continuing deaths from COVID