Mother dearest says when I'm writing a formal essay (ie. college essay) to never use contractions. Is that good advice, or pure silliness?
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Dr Gregory House
Soothsayer Sustainer
No, that's good advice. Don't use them.
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Amandatini
Wealthy Hobo
You're generally not supposed to, she's right.
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hannybananny
Wealthy Hobo Support Leader
I think using them moderately is better. If you don't use them at all you look like some weird robot thing. But sometimes they're just unnecessary.
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bipolarmania
Executive
My teachers say to never use them.
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CrackerJax
Visionary Sustainer Support Leader
Depends really.
If the assignment is really technical, then absolutely not.
If its supposed to be more conversational, then I think it's acceptable in moderation.
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hithere
Novice Patron Support Leader
contractions are solely for colloquial and creative writing.
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BenvolioJamesHarvey
Lawn Care Specialist
They can be used for quotations only - but in formal writing any form of informal/slang/colloquial/contraction language is forbidden.
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