How to Properly Use Contractions in Scholarly Writing: MLA Style Center Tips

Quthor

·March 8, 2024

·6 min read

How to Properly Use Contractions in Scholarly Writing: MLA Style Center Tips — Image Source: pexels

Understanding Contractions in Scholarly Writing

Contractions play a significant role in shaping the tone and readability of scholarly writing. Understanding their impact is crucial for maintaining the desired level of formality and accessibility in academic discourse.

The Role of Contractions in Writing

Definition and Examples

In linguistic terms, contractions are shortened forms of words or syllables created by combining two words. For instance, "can't" is a contraction of "cannot," and "it's" represents "it is." These condensed forms are commonly used in everyday language to enhance conversational flow and brevity.

Contractions in Informal vs. Formal Writing

The use of contractions varies between informal and formal writing contexts. In informal settings, such as personal narratives or casual correspondence, contractions are widely accepted and contribute to a conversational tone. However, when it comes to formal writing, especially scholarly works like research papers or academic essays, the appropriateness of contractions becomes a subject of scrutiny.

The Impact of Contractions on Readability

Enhancing the Reading Experience

Contrary to common belief, incorporating contractions can actually enhance the reading experience for audiences. Research has shown that using contractions can make prose more approachable and easier to read. This is particularly beneficial for high school-level readers who may find overly formal writing styles distracting or difficult to engage with.

Maintaining Professional Tone in Scholarly Writing

While enhancing readability is essential, maintaining a professional tone in scholarly writing is equally important. The challenge lies in striking a balance between approachability and formality. When used strategically, contractions can contribute to a conversational approach without compromising the desired level of formality.

The MLA's Stance on Contractions

Insights from the MLA Handbook

Scholars and writers often seek guidance from authoritative sources to navigate the complexities of scholarly writing. The MLA Handbook provides valuable insights into the use of contractions in academic discourse.

MLA Guidelines on Contractions

According to the MLA, contractions are not inherently incorrect in scholarly writing. The handbook acknowledges that while a formal tone is sometimes desired, a more conversational approach is often taken. It emphasizes that overused contractions can be distracting, but there is nothing inherently incorrect about them. This aligns with the notion that contractions often keep prose from being stilted and make it more approachable and easier to read.

The Rationale Behind MLA Recommendations

In an interview with Scientist Sees Squirrel, an expert in scientific writing, it was highlighted that there is a common belief that contractions mustn’t be used in scientific writing, although the genesis of this “rule” is unclear. One commonly suggested rationale is that contractions make writing informal, which is deemed inappropriate by some. However, this perspective has been met with skepticism by experts like Scientist Sees Squirrel who challenges this notion.

Contractions in Scholarly Writing According to MLA

When to Use Contractions

The MLA Handbook offers clarity on when contractions can be appropriately employed in scholarly writing. It suggests that when a more conversational tone is desired or when aiming for a less formal style, judicious use of contractions can be beneficial. This aligns with the idea that contractions can contribute to a more approachable and engaging prose without compromising the integrity of scholarly work.

When to Avoid Contractions

While acknowledging the potential benefits of using contractions, the MLA also advises caution against overusing them. Overuse can lead to distractions and may hinder clarity in academic discourse. Therefore, it's essential for writers to exercise discretion and consider context when incorporating contractions into their scholarly works.

Practical Tips for Using Contractions in Scholarly Writing

Implementing MLA guidelines in scholarly writing involves a nuanced understanding of when and how to use contractions effectively. By following practical tips and strategies, writers can navigate the complexities of formal writing while maintaining readability and professionalism.

Implementing MLA Guidelines in Your Writing

When incorporating contractions into scholarly works, it's essential to adhere to the guidelines set forth by authoritative sources like the MLA. Understanding examples of acceptable contractions and common mistakes to avoid can significantly impact the quality of academic discourse.

Examples of Acceptable Contractions

In accordance with insights from Writing Instructors and Editors, there are instances where using contractions is suitable in formal writing. For instance, when aiming for a more conversational tone or when addressing a less formal audience, judicious use of contractions can enhance the overall readability without compromising the scholarly nature of the work.

On the other hand, it's crucial to recognize that not all contractions are appropriate in scholarly writing. While "can't," "won't," and "it's" may be acceptable in certain contexts, overly informal contractions such as "gonna" or "wanna" should be avoided entirely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

According to experts who emphasize the avoidance of contractions in professional academic writing, it's important to steer clear of overly casual language that detracts from the formality expected in scholarly works. This includes refraining from using slang-based contractions or those that are more commonly associated with spoken language rather than formal written discourse.

Editing and Proofreading for Proper Contraction Use

Editing and proofreading play a pivotal role in ensuring that contractions are used appropriately within scholarly writing. Employing tools and strategies while seeking feedback from peers and instructors can further refine the integration of contractions into academic discourse.

Tools and Strategies

Utilizing editing tools equipped with grammar checkers can assist writers in identifying instances where contractions may be misused or where their inclusion could compromise the formality required in scholarly works. Additionally, employing style guides specific to various disciplines can provide valuable insights into which types of contractions are permissible within different academic contexts.

Furthermore, seeking feedback from peers and instructors can offer diverse perspectives on whether specific instances of contraction usage align with the desired tone and formality expected within scholarly writing. This interactive practice allows writers to refine their approach based on constructive input from those experienced in navigating formal academic discourse.

By integrating these practical tips into their writing process, scholars can effectively leverage contractions to strike a balance between accessibility and professionalism within their scholarly works.

Making the Transition from High School to College Writing

Understanding the Differences in Writing Expectations

Navigating the transition from high school to college writing requires an understanding of the distinct expectations and models that characterize each educational level. The shift encompasses not only the complexity of assignments but also the formality and structure demanded in scholarly discourse.

High School Writing vs. College Writing

In high school, writing assignments often prioritize creativity, personal expression, and adherence to basic grammar and formatting rules. Students are encouraged to explore their ideas freely, with a focus on self-expression rather than adherence to rigid academic conventions. Conversely, college-level writing places greater emphasis on critical thinking, evidence-based arguments, and adherence to specific citation styles such as MLA or APA. The expectation for thorough research and analysis is significantly heightened in college writing compared to high school compositions.

The Importance of Adapting Your Writing Style

Adapting one's writing style from high school to college is imperative for academic success. While high school writing fosters creativity and individual expression, college-level writing demands a more formal, evidence-based approach. This transition necessitates a shift towards a more professional scholarly writing style that aligns with the expectations of higher education institutions.