contractions - "It isn't" vs. "it's not"


Is one stronger than the other? More correct? Just curious, one of the many abstract things to pop into my head on the drive home today...



Answer



The biggest difference between the two is how many syllables it takes to say them:


It*is*n't vs Its*not


This obviously matters a whole lot for rhythm and rhyme.


Sometimes (though rarely) it is worth avoiding the harsh 's' sound from it's not due to microphones' tendency to accentuate the sssss.


But in terms of meaning there is no significant difference. Using "it is not" would sound a tad more formal due to the lack of contractions and the overt effort required to say it that way.


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