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Grammar and grammatical rules are essential during conversations and when writing any content. They should be kept in mind for their proper placements.
The interactions between the sentences and the words used are a topic covered by English teachers. They do not rely on affirmatives but rather discuss how to apply them in challenging circumstances.
Grammar mistakes or improper usage obscure the actual issue. Contractions work in the same way. Contractions have a significant role in conversations, making them more accessible and attractive. You must have used and read contractions in many places, specifically in English dramas and novels.
This article uses two common words, “they aren’t” and “they’re not,” to explain their differences. It also provides some basic examples to describe their use and emphasizes their correct usage.
They are used in negative sentences. Both stress something that doesn’t need to be done. In general, “they’re not” is considered more negative as compared to “they aren’t”.
Please keep reading to learn more about the contractions, their types, and the disparities between the two words. It’s necessary to clarify how much difference they have and their exact meaning.
Contractions play an essential part in the English language. They offer ease, especially while speaking, making the terms easier to understand.
But as they are beneficial for a fluent conversational tone, it’s best to refrain from them during professional academic writing.
Even though using them in the writing phase is not recommended, adding them gives a touch of a casual conversation between a reader and a writer. Therefore, your written content’s readability increases, which is beneficial in a few cases.
A novel is the best example of utilizing contractions purposefully. When drafting a book or a play, contractions in conversations might better capture how a character truly speaks. It creates a beautiful picture of the whole story in the reader’s mind.
There are commonly four types and cases where they are applicable:
These contractions shorten the delivery of the word or phrase, making your speech time friendly.
Since this article’s main topic is negative contractions, let’s understand what they are. Similarly, the rules of contractions are essential for their proper usage in daily life and during writing.
Negative contractions are written forms of verbs that have a negative connotation. With “to just be” verbs, you can employ contractions ending in “not.” They also include “not” to turn the verb into a negative.
Example:
Have you searched for a new restaurant for Chinese food?
No, I haven’t.
Example:
They’re not returning home today. (They + are)
Today they aren’t returning home. (The abbreviation for “are not”)
Example:
“I do not steal” becomes “I don’t steal.”
I might not show up. It is not possible to contract “may not.”
Choosing between “they’re not” and “they aren’t” can sometimes be confusing; so let’s take a closer look at their differences in the table below.
Features | “They’re not“ | “They aren’t“ |
Rhythm | It does not stress the opposing side. The rhythm in it is more empathetic. As a whole word, “Not” is present in it. Therefore the situation becomes more stressful. It carries more weight since the “not” is not contracted. | The tone of this phrase is slightly less emphatic. The word emphasizes a negative situation in a low manner. It doesn’t stress much about creating negativity in the situation. |
Placement | In reading, this form is preferable to make the reader think that it is something ongoing. Since it creates a stressful situation, it allows writers to highlight this part, providing a space for readers to read carefully. | This form is preferable when for the thing that has just been said. People use it clearly for this purpose. |
Usage | “They’re NOT” seems to place more attention on the fact that an action, wish, or thinking will not be carried out than on the person who will not be carrying it out. | This word is primarily used in day-to-day conversations. It’s important to understand that whenever used, it doesn’t feel as strong as they’re not, so its correct usage is seen in informal writing. |
Understanding grammar and its use in literature is important. It’s time to learn and focus on something new including the reviews of people using the topic’s phrases.
The following points need to be understood:
It’s essential to understand their context through dialogues. They are a more significant way to grasp these two words’ actual scenario and meaning.
This is a conversation between two people talking about colleagues and whether they would attend the annual awards ceremony or not.
Question: Did I hear you say they will attend the ceremony?
The first response implies that the responder simply confirms what the asker already knows.
The second response means that the respondent emphasizes that they are not ensuring that the misunderstanding does not persist because the possibility could be that the questioner misheard or misunderstood a previous interaction.
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