Highlight: In most cases, using contractions is completely acceptable, but be watchful of some exceptions.
A contraction is a shortened form of a word, syllable, or a combination of words that is often used instead of the full form in spoken English. Generally, the letters omitted by contractions are indicated with an apostrophe ( ‘ ). Contractions are commonly used in colloquial and informal settings.
As WordPress documentation makes use of a colloquial tone, you can utilize contractions in your content. Although, be watchful of some exceptions.
Examples
- I’m – I am.
- they’ve – they have.
- don’t – do not.
Common contractions
- Use common contractions such as they’ve, that’s, you’re, it’s, in your documentation.
- Be wary of common mistakes such as confusing you’re with your, and it’s with its.
- Use negation contractions such as don’t, can’t, shouldn’t, and isn’t.
- Avoid awkward and unconventional contractions such as where’re, mightn’t, mayn’t, ’twas’, and slang contractions like gotta, imma, wanna.
Noun and verb contractions
Don’t use contractions formed with nouns and verbs. Contractions formed with nouns and verbs are generally complex and uncommon words.
Examples
Double contractions
Avoid using double contractions. Double contractions contain two contractions as opposed to one.
Examples
- wouldn’t’ve – would not have.
- you’d’ve – you would have.
- sha’n’t – shall not (shall + n’t).
- mightn’t’ve – might not have.
- ’tisn’t – it is not.
Double contractions, including slang and archaic, are difficult to understand. Avoid using these in documentation.
