Contractions
In general, we write our documentation in an informal tone, so we
recommend using common two-word contractions such as you're, don't, and
there's.
Negation contractions
In particular, we recommend using negation contractions such as isn't, don't, and
can't. It's easy for a reader to miss the word not when they're scanning, whereas
it's harder to misread don't as do.
If you need to emphasize the negative, you can use text formatting such as is
<em>not</em>
, which renders as "is not." But in most cases, you don't
need emphasis to make your point clear.
Contractions to avoid
Don't make up nonstandard contractions such as guides're or browser's (where
's means is).
Don't use three-word contractions such as mightn't've.
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Last updated 2025-02-21 UTC.
[null,null,["Last updated 2025-02-21 UTC."],[[["Documentation generally follows an informal tone, encouraging the use of most contractions, especially negation contractions like *don't* for clarity."],["Noun + verb contractions, such as *browser's*, should be avoided as they can cause confusion with possessive forms, except in rare, clear cases."],["Double contractions (e.g., *mightn't've*) should be completely avoided for better readability."],["Remember the distinction between *its* (possessive) and *it's* (contraction of \"it is\")."]]],["The documentation recommends using common two-word contractions like \"you're\" and \"don't,\" especially negation contractions such as \"isn't\" and \"can't\" to improve readability. While emphasizing the negative with formatting like \"is *not*\" is acceptable, it's usually unnecessary. Avoid creating nonstandard contractions, like \"guides're,\" or using three-word contractions like \"mightn't've.\" The focus should be on clarity using established, informal contractions.\n"]]