Apostrophe : The Contraction

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Apostrophe The Contraction
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One of the two major functions of the apostrophe
is to show contraction. The other major function
is to show possession.
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When we contract words, phrases or figures, we
shrink them or draw them together by eliminating
a letter or letters (or numbers) and denote that
elimination by inserting an apostrophe ().
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The apostrophe tells us that one or more letters
have been left out. It is important, therefore,
to place the apostrophe where the omission is.
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Note, too, that only one apostrophe is used to
indicate an omission, whether that omission is
one letter or more.
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Contraction in writing is meant to reflect speech
and so tends to bring a casual tone to written
language. The writer, therefore, should be
certain that the conversational tone is
appropriate for the writing at hand.
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Formal writing and even most informal writing
will not include contractions. Of the kind
illustrated below, except in quotations. The
writers judgment regarding contractions is
crucial. In any case, when words are contracted,
the conventions offered here must be followed.
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Alice doesnt live here. does notI cant
believe that can not
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If Id seen her in time. I hadShes
somewhere in Vegas.She is
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If youd been there. you hadWhos going with
me?Who is
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Im not goin. goingYoure the
one for me.You are
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Most of the crew were asleep in the focsle.
forecastleThis last kind of contraction
is rare, though not unusual in nautical
terminology.
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With gratitude to the English Language Department
of Cabrillo College and its wonderful Writing
Center staff and faculty.