How do you ask a question without using a contraction?

Why doesn't my car start?

Usually, it is quite simple to re-word your question, sans contraction.

1. Remove the suffix, and (otherwise) keep your original word. Simply delete apostrophe and final letters of word. Can't becomes Can.

Can't you tell what time it is by looking at the sun? becomes, Can you tell what time it is by looking at the sun?

• Instead of: Won't you...?, Shouldn't you..., Can't you...?, Wasn't it...?
• Use: Will you...?, Should you..., Can you...?, Was it...?

Can't you use toilet paper as a coffee filter? to Can you use toilet paper as a coffee filter?

2. Next, check your new request for meaning, shuffling words as necessary.

If your query is now awkward or makes no sense at this point, i.e. Why does my car start?, then stop and reformulate your question. i.e. What causes failure of a car to start?

Taking time to toss out your original question and completely redesign wording will make it easier to find the solution to your problem, and streamline the site for future users facing your current delimma. i.e. How does a car lose its ability to start?,

What causes failure of a car to start?

What can cause failure to crank the engine in your car?

Notice how your question is becoming clearer as you move away from the contraction. With each 'rewrite', your problem becomes clearer and better defined. It is easy to imagine a mechanic's reaction to the following:

What problems can lead to failure of a car engine to crank?

In contrast to a long, tedious list of vague and unusual requests, your question is now precise. You request specific information. Our hypothetical Mechanic can quickly, easily provide the answer to your delimma.

Sometimes, just taking an extra moment to make sure that you have posed your question in the most logical, coherent, and specific way possible will determine the quality of your solution.

Contractions: e.g. Can't, Won't, Wasn't, Weren't, Haven't, Hasn't, etc.

**Note: when you are stating ownership (i.e. your computer's memory), this is not considered a contraction. 'Apostrophe -s' at the end of a word indicates ownership.

First answer by Zanbabe. Last edit by Zanbabe. Contributor trust: 847 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 5 [recommend question]