ESL Forum:
Techniques and methods
in Language Teaching
Games, activities
and teaching ideas
Grammar and
Linguistics
Teaching material
Concerning
worksheets
Concerning
powerpoints
Concerning online
exercises
Make suggestions,
report errors
Ask for help
Message board
|
ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > The use of ´ in mother ´s
The use of ´ in mother ´s
|
BRAHIM S
|
This rather applies to formal writing, which explains why in emails, which are less formal, it �s more common to have lots of contractions, whereas in letters, reports, presentations, these would be less used |
6 Mar 2009
|
|
|
Logos
|
Surely a modecom of common sense is needed here. Much depends upon the context and the �register � (formality) of the writing. It is true that generally, it is not acceptable to use contractions in formal writing, except in direct quotations about what someone said. But in informal writing such as a letter to a friend then no contractions would look pompous and unnatural.
Having said this, however, I have just heard that the examination taken by 14year olds in Malaysia will have as its criteria that whatever the written task they are required to do ( a letter or a report) they will be penalised if they use contractions. I feel this is grossly unfair.
But let �s face it (darn it, one of those pesky contractions sneeked in there!!) writing by SMS and e-mail is becoming more and more contracted. FYI there are whole worksheets on the abbreviations you can use. :-D
LOL Logos |
6 Mar 2009
|
|
< Previous
1
2
|