However, if you’re writing a blog post, you’d probably prefer to use contractions (and therefore our friend the apostrophe). Avoid using apostrophes to indicate a plural. All of this should be done without real regard for formal language. The apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation.The main uses of apostrophes are to show ownership (e.g. Up to now you are writing to develop a thesis and defend it. Use concise language. – are a topic of debate in academic writing.In some scientific disciplines, the first person has traditionally been avoided to maintain an objective, impersonal tone and keep the focus on the material rather than the author. Of course, occasionally you may for rhetorical effect decide to use, say, an expletive construction instead of a more succinct expression. Don't use contractions in formal writing assignments, such as essays, technical writing, cover letters or formal business communications unless you have permission. Personal pronouns that refer to the author or authors – I, we, my, etc. In writing, their usage is less cut and dried. Singular possessive. Below are tips for formal writing. The placement of an apostrophe depends upon the word you are making possessive. First-person pronouns. It is governed by certain rules and regulations that should be adhered to. Errors to avoid when writing a thesis Some writing mistakes are extremely common and sometimes observed in both printed material an internet-based. Unusual plurals As a general rule, we never use an apostrophe in writing plural forms. It entails: academic writing, formal letters and business writing. This is because Jacob and Elsy is a cohesive noun and hence one apostrophe is needed. Possession. Once the content and argument are up to par, then you edit for flow. You are writing for the strength and clarity of your ideas. Thus, avoid contractions in scholarly writing, except for under the following circumstances: Formal writing is one category. Apostrophes are used to show that a noun or pronoun is in the possessive case. On the formal end of the spectrum, you have the scholarly writing you do for classroom assignments, theses and dissertations, and publications. The apostrophe is used to indicate possession (e.g., Tom’s plan, the cat’s whiskers) and to show the omission of letters where a word has been contracted (e.g., I can’t remember the ’80s for I cannot remember the 1980s).In some rare cases an apostrophe can be used to form a plural. For acronyms and years, one should know how and where to use apostrophes. These guidelines should be taken as … Contractions are shortened versions of words or phrases typically limited to casual speech or writing. For example, if you’re writing a research paper or thesis, you might consider avoiding contractions so as to appear more formal. We use contractions in speech every day. For example: Don't forget to vote! Writing assumes many categories. Except for such conventional phrases, however, you should always write out years in full when you are writing formally: do not write something like *the '39'45 war, but write instead the 19391945 war. When to Avoid Contractions. This site details probably the most common and simply avoidable writing mistakes. Introduction. When writing a contraction, remember that an apostrophe marks the place where letters have been omitted. ‘Charlie is Jenny’s cat’ means the cat named Charlie belongs to Jenny) and to show missing letters in words (e.g. Ask someone to read it and comment. Contractions are a part of informal writing. it’s = it is or it has; should’ve = should have).In academic writing, words that use apostrophes for missing letters (i.e. Avoid the use of contractions in formal and professional writing. If there is more than one ball, write balls not ball’s. 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