As copy editors, our job is to ensure that written content is error-free, concise, and engaging. However, when it comes to using contractions in essays, there can be some confusion. Contractions are a shortened version of words, where an apostrophe takes the place of omitted letters. For example, “don`t” instead of “do not”. Some people believe that contractions have no place in academic writing, while others argue that contractions are more conversational and can add a personal tone to an essay. In this article, we`ll explore the pros and cons of using contractions in essays.

Pros:

1. Adds a conversational tone: Contractions are commonly used in everyday conversation, so using them in your essay can make it feel more like a personal discussion rather than a formal piece of writing.

2. Saves space: In academic writing, every word counts. By using contractions, writers can save space and make their essay more concise.

3. Increases readability: Using contractions can make your writing easier to read and understand. It can also make long sentences and complex ideas more accessible to the average reader.

Cons:

1. Appears less formal: Contractions can make your essay appear less formal and, therefore, less serious. In academic writing, it`s important to maintain a level of professionalism and expertise, and using contractions can detract from that.

2. Can be confusing: Not all readers are familiar with contractions, especially those for whom English is a second language. Using contractions can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended message.

3. May be inappropriate: Certain types of writing, such as scientific reports or legal documents, require a more formal tone. Contractions in these types of documents could be seen as unprofessional or inappropriate.

In conclusion, the use of contractions in essays is a personal choice, depending on the writer`s tone and intended message. While contractions can add a conversational tone and increase readability, they may also detract from a formal tone and confuse some readers. As a copy editor, it`s our job to ensure that the author`s intention is clear and well-represented, whether or not they decide to use contractions in their essay.