As a writer, it can be tempting to use contractions in your essay for a more conversational tone. However, many academic essays require a formal, professional tone, and avoiding contractions can help achieve this. In addition, avoiding contractions can also improve the clarity and precision of your writing.
Firstly, let`s define what contractions are. Contractions are words that combine two words into one by omitting one or more letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. Examples of contractions are “don`t” (do not), “won`t” (will not), and “can`t” (cannot).
So why should you avoid contractions in your essay? Firstly, academic essays require a formal tone that is different from the spoken language. Using contractions can make your writing sound too informal and conversational, which may not be appropriate for academic writing. Instead, you should strive for a more professional tone that helps establish your credibility and expertise.
In addition, avoiding contractions can also improve the clarity and precision of your writing. Using contractions can sometimes lead to ambiguity and confusion, especially if the reader is not familiar with the context or the meaning of the contraction. For example, “it`s” can mean “it is” or “it has,” which can create confusion for the reader. On the other hand, “it is” and “it has” are more precise and leave no room for misinterpretation.
Moreover, avoiding contractions can also help you stay consistent with your writing style. If you use contractions in one part of your essay and avoid them in another, it can create a sense of inconsistency and confusion for the reader. By avoiding contractions altogether, you can establish a consistent and professional style that enhances the readability and effectiveness of your writing.
In conclusion, while using contractions may be appropriate in certain contexts, academic essays require a formal tone that is best achieved by avoiding contractions. By doing so, you can improve the clarity and precision of your writing, enhance your credibility, and establish a consistent and professional style that engages and informs your readers. So, the next time you write an essay, make sure to avoid those contractions and stick to a more formal and professional tone.
