Contractions
Standards for handling contractions in different transcription styles.
Contractions
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General Rule
It's generally okay to use contractions, but please be alert to exceptions.
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When NOT to Contract
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Clearly Articulated Words
Don't contract words which are clearly and individually articulated, especially if used for emphasis.
Example: If someone stresses the 'is' in 'that is correct', this should not be contracted to 'that's'.
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Hidden Tense
Don't contract where tense is concealed.
Example: 'my daughter's going to school' should be 'my daughter is going to school' (to clarify present tense vs. possessive).
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Slang Abbreviations
Avoid abbreviate slang (e.g. 'because' to 'cos'), unless it's articulated meaningfully and deliberately by the speaker.
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Special Cases
Clipped forms such as flu and gym are not regarded as contractions, and they should not be written with apostrophes.
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Examples
Appropriate contractions:
- can't, won't, don't
- I'm, you're, we're
- it's (it is), that's (that is)
Avoid contracting when:
- Speaker emphasises individual words
- Tense needs clarification
- Used for deliberate effect
Not contractions:
- flu (not 'flu)
- gym (not 'gym)
- phone (not 'phone)