Definitions
- Referring to the shortening of a word or phrase by omitting one or more letters or sounds. - Used in informal speech and writing to convey a more casual tone. - Commonly used in contractions such as 'don't' for 'do not' or 'can't' for 'cannot'.
- Referring to the process of making a word or phrase shorter by removing some of its syllables or letters. - Used in formal and technical writing to convey information more concisely. - Commonly used in abbreviations such as 'Mr.' for 'Mister' or 'Dr.' for 'Doctor'.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve making a word or phrase shorter.
- 2Both are used to convey information more concisely.
- 3Both can be used in writing and speech.
- 4Both can be used to create new words or phrases.
What is the difference?
- 1Definition: Contractions specifically refer to the omission of letters or sounds, while shortenings can also involve removing syllables or parts of a word.
- 2Usage: Contractions are more commonly used in informal speech and writing, while shortenings are more commonly used in formal and technical writing.
- 3Purpose: Contractions are used to convey a more casual tone, while shortenings are used to convey information more concisely.
- 4Examples: Contractions include 'can't', 'won't', and 'it's', while shortenings include 'Mr.', 'Dr.', and 'info'.
- 5Connotation: Contractions can be seen as less formal and sometimes even incorrect, while shortenings are generally accepted and viewed as more professional.
Remember this!
Contractions and shortenings are both methods of making words or phrases shorter. However, contractions specifically refer to the omission of letters or sounds, while shortenings can also involve removing syllables or parts of a word. Contractions are more commonly used in informal speech and writing to convey a casual tone, while shortenings are more commonly used in formal and technical writing to convey information more concisely.
