This was definitely useful. Since English is my second language this has definitely helped and you do talk about something that I have some difficulties on. I think I somehow overuse contractions but I don't usually write any essay or paper in English (Always Portuguese hehe) and in my language we don't have so many contractions as in English but it doesn't mean I should/can overuse contractions, I'll definitely try to break this habit then. The it's and it confuses me as well as on/in but yeah that's another story. I'm glad you talked about it thought now I understand when I should use them correctly. You were the only one who have helped me understand that in a simple not complicated way. Great job! Look forward to read more. ^_^

Seriously now, I've come to believe that this world will definitely help me improve my English in a fun non complicated way! Cool! =D

It's funny, right after I finished reading this I quickly re-checked my response for Beck's prompt to see if I used any contractions. I didn't, so I'm happy.

This was a good one, easy to follow and definitely useful. I like that you did the it's/its thing too - if you hadn't, I probably would have at some point down the line.

Actually, just looking through now, I do use a lot of contractions in my own workshops here. I will concede that that makes those a little less professional; but, as you said, it's a conversational kinda thing. But yeah, when it's serious writing time, the contractions definitely go out the door.

Only thing I'll add here regarding these is that sometimes people feel that taking out the contractions makes their writing sound stilted and odd. I'd say that generally comes about because of an overuse of the "to be" verb, so you get a lot of "it is" all over the place. That's another thing, though.

Good stuff. I hope everyone takes a look at this one.

Nicely said. And thanks for expounding on the "its" versus "it's/it is" situation.

(^_^)

Honestly saying I didn't realize I didn't know how to write. I used contractions in papers. I know formats like...
Topic sentences
Explanitory
Concrete detail
Comentary (x2)
Concrete detail
Comentary (x2)
Conclusion

That would explain why I never did well on english papers... or it could have been my spelling. It was probably my spelling-

mmm so that's why you don't use them. I never really knew.

I swear on my life you own a book titles "worthless but cool information." (not saying this is worthless) .. My brother owns one of those books. They are really neat though haha

The it's and its used to get me messed up all the time. Someone eventually explained it to me though.
It's = it is
its = the 'it' decided to posess the is

Well I did terrible at breaking this habbit already... "Honestly saying I didn't realize I didn't" and "mmm so that's why"

Good job, it made sense to someone.

I have also been using contractions since I prefer my writings to be in an informal tone. However, when it comes to formal writings and such, I generally try to avoid it. However, thinking back, I am not so sure if have used some contracted words in my formal works... ()