WRITING ADVICE FROM A PRO
Writers! Should You Use Contractions When You Write?
Yes! Here’s Why.
Published in
3 min readMay 10, 2024
I’m a writing coach and editor-for-hire. For decades, I’ve worked with writers to improve and publish their prose. My current specialty is helping Medium members write better, more boost-able stories.
One of my clients recently asked me about using contractions.
“I prefer a casual style of writing and I like using contractions,” he told me. Like “it’s” instead of “it is.” What advice do you have when it comes to deciding whether or not I should use a contraction?”
My advice?
Write the way you talk.
The result will be effective and accessible writing.
Most folks use contractions when they speak, so using them when you write makes sense.
Some people think that writing ought to be more formal or high falutin’ than conversation but they’re wrong.
