Confusions about Contractions

[symphony]

I may end up sounding stupid but...
I often hear about contractions in poetry and stuff, but unfortunately I dont have much idea about it, about what it is and how it's used in writing a piece. I wondered if any of u guys could explain it to me as simply as possible. I'd really appreciate it if u can. :) Enlighten me! :idea:
Thanks
symphony.

[ennison]

contractions means cutting out letters. We do it in normal colloquial speech all the time. It can be done in poetry to keep a metric pattern or rhythm.
Look at a few pages of say Shakespeare or some hymns and notice where apostrophes indicate letters cut out.
Ah Cowper's Solitude of Alexander Selkirk - one of my favourites

[kilted exile]

I use contractions to cheat in the haiku thread (but only 'cos thats how I talk in real life)

[Unbeliever]

contractions means cutting out letters. We do it in normal colloquial speech all the time. It can be done in poetry to keep a metric pattern or rhythm.


Just so, like using "e'er" instead of "ever." I think it should be done sparingly, though.

[symphony]

Ah so *that*'s contraction. Hehe I do it all the time too! just didnt know what it's called. Thanks fellas :D I really appreciate ur help :) Really, "we go about our daily lives knowing almost nothing of it"!!


Edit:

Ah Cowper's Solitude of Alexander Selkirk - one of my favourites
I love it too ennison ;)