I love contractions! I speak in contractions. I like to read contractions. They draw me in and hold my attention just like a spider web. Life without contractions is just dull and boring.

Thank being said… Why don’t more people use them in their writing?

@amyhallbiz I use them in my posts sometimes to make them sound more casual.  :)  Just can’t use them all the time on other sites that are looking for a more formal tone.

I was taught not to use contractions when writing; however, since I started my business I have slowly been adding them when appropriate. It makes the writing more like a conversation, which is what I want in my blog posts. I have also used contractions a few times in the Networking Clubs, especially “you’re”. I read my posts out loud before clicking Submit or Post Reply, and many times I’ll add a contraction or two because it just doesn’t sound right without them.

I’m using them right now in a website I’m writing for a lawyer. Agree with reading stuff aloud to see how it sounds. Good stuff!

It takes practice to shift to conversational writing from the way some of us were taught to write. For me writing my triathlon blog helped with this a lot since it’s more personal and yet is still out there for the public to see.

@karenataylor @amyhallbiz

@stonepeople I have to agree that it is all about connecting with people.  I think the most difficult thing about contractions is when and where.  I have a large multi generation family and the older ones (80-90) general do not approve of contractions.  The younger ones have to be reminded that text speak is not a language.  Having grown up in this diverse group I have learned that a person’s age, upbringing, education and personal preferences decide whether or not I use contractions.  It also depends on what emphasis you want.  “I have a” actively points out that you ”have” something while “I’ve a” is passive. 

@amyhallbiz I do use them. Not all of the time, but I use contractions. For myself, I feel like it makes for a more conversational blog, and a blog is about letting your website visitors get to know who you are – in real life, I use contractions.

That being said, others are just as serious when they say that you shouldn’t use contractions in a blog. Guess you can’t please everyone.

@mike-stelzner  You and I are of the same mind. This is social media, so I’m speaking directly to someone. So contractions are perfectly acceptable. We’re having a conversation … I use contractions in my conversations.

When I write copy for a Financial Advisior or Attorney I don’t use contractions in the webcopy, but I do use contractions for their About page. The about page is a personal conversation so I keep it on the conversational level.