When to use didn't or did not?

[billyf027]

Thank you.

[arrowqueen]

I'd use 'did not' if I was writing formally or for emphasis. (See Bill Clinton!).

I'd use 'didn't' if I was writing informally, or using it in dialogue.

(You will now get five pages disagreeing!)

:D

[fanatic]

Arrowqueen, you won't be getting an argument from me. :)

Billy, also try reading the proposed sentence aloud. Which version creates the right atmosphere?

[Carmy]

I use didn't most of the time.

If a character is protesting I use did not, because I think it adds emphasis to the denial - "I did not!"

[FloVoyager]

Whichever fits in the given context and preserves flow.

[pdr]

from us, ArrowQueen. But don't hold your breath!