Using contractions

Sentosa · Dec 8, 2010

Is there a consensus concerning when it's OK to use contractions, and when it's not?

To clarify, I'm referring to these: I am/I'm, they are/they're, etc. etc. I am not including abbreviations or acronyms in this post.

I use contractions when their use fits the character, the situation in which the character finds herself/himself, their appropriateness to the plot at that time, and their effect on the rhythm of the scene (PHEW! I didn't realise there was so much to check!!)

I only ever use them in dialogue, and internal monologues, rarely (perhaps never) elsewhere.

Any comments or suggestions?

Susan Coffin · Dec 8, 2010

Yeah. Use them as often as possible, as they flow naturally, in narrative, dialogue, everywhere. That is, unless, you are writing a formal thesis, paper, or business document. Or, if you character is a totally formal kind of dude (or dudette).

maestrowork · Dec 8, 2010

In dialogue, yes -- to avoid stilted dialogue.

In narrative, it depends. In contemporary fiction, or 1st person narrative, sure. But in historical fiction, probably not.

It depends.

jmarkbyrnes · Dec 8, 2010

maestrowork said:
In dialogue, yes -- to avoid stilted dialogue.

Definite +1

Nightmirror · Dec 8, 2010

For the type of writing I do, I try to do whatever sounds best. If the contraction makes the sentence sound awkward, then I take it out; if it sounds okay, then generally it should be fine to use.

Definitely depends on what kind of writing you're working on though.

Mr Flibble · Dec 9, 2010

I used not to use them in narrative, but it made me sound, um, more formal and archaic than in fact I am

So now I use them wherever they fit. Which is pretty much everywhere tbh.

third person · Dec 9, 2010

I'll just add this: be true to your characters first and foremost. If they are the type to NOT verbalize contractions, don't use them in that person's dialogue.

seun · Dec 9, 2010

IdiotsRUs said:
I used not to use them in narrative, but it made me sound, um, more formal and archaic than in fact I am

So now I use them wherever they fit. Which is pretty much everywhere tbh.

What she said.

Stijn Hommes · Dec 9, 2010

Perhaps it's a remnant of my scientific education where contractions where barred from articles, but I tend to use them every chance I get. In my opinion contractions go unnoticed in a manner pretty similar to phrases like "he said" and "she said". It flows fine and most readers won't care about it at all.

Do whatever you like yourself. I would definitely use it in dialog since it's how most people speak.

jaksen · Dec 9, 2010

And read your dialogue aloud. Most of the time, contractions in dialogue are fine, but when people are emphasizing things...

I said DO NOT open that window, or YOU WILL be sorry.

Then leave'em out.

Jamesaritchie · Dec 9, 2010

I use them in dialogue when the character would. I also use them in first person narrative, of course. But I use them much in third person narrative. If not using them makes the writing sound stilted, I rewrite the sentence. In most third person stories, I want a narrator who is clearly not one of the characters, and this is the best way I've found of managing it.

Sentosa · Dec 9, 2010

Thanks for an interesting thread, folks. As a result, I've relaxed my use of contractions.

As an aside, my method of first review is to load each chapter into TextAloud, and let it read it to me. Not surprisingly, it's amazing to hear the difference between limited contractions vs more contractions.

FennelGiraffe · Dec 9, 2010

jaksen said:
And read your dialogue aloud. Most of the time, contractions in dialogue are fine, but when people are emphasizing things...

I said DO NOT open that window, or YOU WILL be sorry.

Then leave'em out.

Exactly.

Rhubix · Dec 11, 2010

I think it's dictated by the formality of your writing, and the type of characters. If your novel takes place in the highest realms of aristocracy, it should sound different than something in a rural pub, frequented by greasy sailors.

The greasy man could not find his moonshine jug.
The greasy a man couldn't find his moonshine jug.

If I'm reading a book about Sketchy MacStabby I would find it distracting to read could not, it is, they are. His world is one with contractions, so his story should have them too.

tko · Dec 11, 2010

POV

If you're doing 1st or 3rd POV my position is that everything is filtered through the character's eyes. If you character talks in contractions, he probably thinks in contractions, and any descriptions should use contractions.

Of course, the bottom line is whether it works.

Using contractions

Sentosa

Susan Coffin

Tell it like it Is

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

jmarkbyrnes

Nobody and Nothin'

Nightmirror

Not so happily ever after...

Mr Flibble

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

third person

She blinded me--with magic!

seun

Horror Man

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

jaksen

Caped Codder

Jamesaritchie

Sentosa

FennelGiraffe

It's green they say

Rhubix

New kid, critique harshly!

tko

just thanks fore everything