Comments on: A Guide to Contractions in English Grammar

By: Proofed

Proofed — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:22:41 +0000

In reply to Hector.

Hi, Hector. Yes, you can use contractions with nouns too in informal writing, as long as they don’t sound too clumsy. Your example is fine (along the lines of the example we used in the article – “Kara’s on her way”) but make sure that, if you choose to use contractions, you do so consistently. If you are unsure about using contractions in other instances, you can always stick to using them only in dialog.

By: Hector

Hector — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 23:21:35 +0000

Should I use contractions with nouns in informal third-person narration in present tense?

E.g. “John is walking” or “John’s walking”?

By: Proofed

Proofed — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:21:30 +0000

In reply to scott. Thanks for pointing out the typo there, Scott. It should indeed be “y’all” (“you all”), not “ya’ll” (“you will”), so we’ll get that amended. We are just using it in passing as an example of colloquial contractions, but the extra information here is very helpful. Thank you!

By: scott

scott — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:19:04 +0000

You should have proofed this article again. The U.S. South is often associated with a contraction of “you all,” which is an alternative plural possessive (not unlike “youse” heard in some parts of the North). It is *never* used in the singular. Say “y’all” in reference to an individual in the South and you’ll notice people trying not to laugh and draw attention to your gaffe.

The correct contraction is NOT “ya’ll,” which you folks cite as an example of correct punctuation of the contraction of “you all.” It is *not.” The correct contraction is “y’all.” And don’t use it while riding on a New York City subway; you’ll be laughed off the train.