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Using contracted forms (“don’t”, “let’s”) in a formal text
Are contractions like "didn't" forbidden in written English?
Usage of contractions like "it's" and "that's" in textbooks
Should contractions be avoided in formal emails?
Is it better to write without contractions? E.g. "cannot" instead of "can't"

When I write in text, why can I not use contractions such as I'm instead of the full form of I am?

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  • I suspect the answer is "Because your teacher says that's the style she wants".
    – Andrew Leach ♦
    Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 8:55
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    I strongly suggest you visit our English Language Learners site and benefit from it. area51.stackexchange.com/proposals/41665/…
    – Kris
    Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 9:09
  • Wait. It is important for you to clarify what you mean by text. Please edit your question to explain.
    – Kris
    Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 9:11

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It depends on how formal you want to be. The contracted form I’m will be suitable for many contexts, and certainly in most forms of electronic communication. It would not, however, be appropriate in an academic paper, for example.

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  • One of these days, however, we'll be able to use contractions in formal academic papers. I look forward to that. Maybe not for another 20 years, though.
    – user21497
    Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 9:23
  • @Bill Franke. Indeed, and it may already be happening with contrations such as don't.
    – Barrie England
    Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 9:28

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