As a copy editor and SEO expert, one of the questions I often get asked is whether or not it is acceptable to use contractions in business writing. Contractions are the shortened form of two words combined into one. For example, “it is” becomes “it’s,” and “do not” becomes “don’t.”
While contractions are commonly used in casual conversation and writing, many people are unsure if they are appropriate or professional enough for business writing.
The answer is yes, you can use contractions in business writing. In fact, it is becoming more commonplace and preferred in today’s business world.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. Contractions make the text more conversational
Writing in a conversational tone can make your writing more approachable and easier to read. Using contractions can create a more relaxed and informal tone, making your communication more engaging and relatable to your audience.
2. Contractions save space and improve readability
In business writing, it’s important to convey your message concisely and clearly. Using contractions helps you save space by combining two words into one. This not only makes your text more compact but also improves readability by making sentences sound less formal and more natural.
3. Contractions can help establish your brand voice
If your business wants to come across as friendly and approachable, using contractions in your writing can help establish this type of brand voice. It can also be appropriate in certain industries, such as marketing or technology, where a more casual tone is expected.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that context is everything. If you’re writing a formal report or business proposal, it may be more appropriate to avoid contractions and use a more formal tone.
In addition, if you’re not sure about the audience or tone of your writing, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and use more formal language.
In conclusion, using contractions in business writing is acceptable and can even be beneficial in certain situations. It’s important to consider the context and audience of your writing to determine if it’s appropriate to use them. Overall, using contractions can make your writing more approachable, concise, and engaging, and can help you establish a unique brand voice.