As a copy editor, it is important to have a good grasp on grammar and language usage, especially when it comes to contractions. Contractions are words that are formed by combining two words, resulting in a shortened form of the original words. They are commonly used in everyday language and written communication, but not all words can be contracted. In this article, we will explore what words can and cannot be contracted.

First, let`s identify what makes a word a contraction. A contraction is formed by taking the first word and replacing one or more letters with an apostrophe. The resulting word is a shortened form of the original word. For example, “can not” becomes “can`t” and “did not” becomes “didn`t”. The apostrophe replaces the letter “o” in “not”.

Now, let`s look at what words can be contracted. The most common contractions are formed from auxiliaries (helping verbs) and their subjects. Examples of auxiliaries are “is”, “am”, “are”, “was”, “were”, “have”, “had”, “do”, “does”, and “did”. These can be contracted with the pronouns “I”, “you”, “he”, “she”, “it”, “we”, and “they”. For example, “I am” becomes “I`m” and “they have” becomes “they`ve”.

Other common contractions include “not” with “would”, “could”, “should”, “might”, “must”, and “had”. For example, “would not” becomes “wouldn`t” and “must not” becomes “mustn`t”.

Now, let`s move on to what words cannot be contracted. Contractions should not be used with nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. For example, “the cat is” cannot be contracted, and “we have enough” cannot be contracted. It is important to use the full form of the word in these instances.

It is also important to note that contractions may not be appropriate in all types of writing. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business correspondence, contractions are generally avoided. However, in more casual writing, such as personal emails or blog posts, contractions are more commonly used.

In conclusion, as a copy editor, it is important to be familiar with what words can and cannot be contracted. The most common contractions are formed from auxiliaries and their subjects, and it is important to note that contractions may not be appropriate in all types of writing. By having a good grasp on contractions, copy editors can ensure that written communication is clear and effective.