Note:<\/strong> In this version of the style guide, we\u2019ve changed our approach to contractions. So some of our older content does not reflect what we say in this section.<\/p>\n Using contractions sets a more conversational and less formal tone.<\/p>\n But we must always think about the needs of our readers. For that reason, we have guidelines for using them.<\/p>\n The Contractions <\/strong>section of Content Design London\u2019s \u2013 Readability Guidelines<\/a> has more detailed instructions. We based our approach on their recommendations.<\/p>\n If you do not see a contraction listed in this section, it\u2019s likely one that\u2019s less common and more complex. So it\u2019s best to avoid using it.<\/p>\n Use simple positive<\/strong> contractions, such as:<\/p> Avoid complex and conditional <\/strong>contractions. People with cognitive challenges or lower literacy levels find it hard to recognize and understand contractions that:<\/p>\n Avoid complex and conditional<\/strong> contractions, such as:<\/p> Research shows that many readers:<\/p>\n Even people with higher literacy levels can misread negative contractions. This can happen when they are rushed, stressed, or multi-tasking. <\/p>\n Avoid negative<\/strong> contractions, such as:<\/p> It\u2019s most important to avoid negative contractions in our public legal information content, for example, in our printed booklets and on Steps to Justice.<\/p>\n In other writing, you can choose to use them if you\u2019re confident that your readers will not find them challenging. But remember, readers at all levels can misread them.<\/p>\n Using contractions is becoming more accepted in many types of writing. For example, Joe Kimble<\/a> advocates using them in legal writing. See The case for contractions<\/a> in Judicature<\/strong>, Vol. 6, No. 3 (2023).<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-58827","publications-page","type-publications-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nUse simple positive contractions<\/h2>\n
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Avoid complex and conditional contractions<\/h2>\n
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Avoid negative contractions<\/h2>\n
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Contractions in legal writing<\/h2>\n