1. Avoid using contractions in
formal writing. A contraction is a combination of two words as one, such
as "don't," "can't," and "isn't." The use of contractions is inappropriate
in formal legal writing. Replace them with the two-word version of the
contraction.
Correct: He can not guarantee that the defendant will appear because the defendant has not called him in several days.
2. Remember: "It's" is the contraction of "it is." The term "its" is the singular possessive of "it." The term "it's," by contrast, is the contraction of "it is."
Correct use as Possessive:
Correct use as Contraction:
Cross References: Apostrophes, Possessives