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Definition 2024


-in’

-in'

See also: Appendix:Variations of "in"

English

Alternative forms

Suffix

-in'

  1. (proscribed, eye dialect) Alternative form of -ing

Usage notes

  • In speech, the difference between the pronunciations /ɪŋ/ and /ɪn/ is usually one of formality. Most speakers tend to use /ɪŋ/ in more formal situations and /ɪn/ in less formal situations. (But there are some speakers who use mainly /ɪŋ/ or mainly /ɪn/ regardless of the situation.)
  • In writing, both the /ɪŋ/ and the /ɪn/ pronunciations are usually spelled -ing. When writers use -in', as in makin', they are emphasizing the informality of the situation (or attempting, however accurately, to show the social status of the speaker).
  • The [ɪn] pronunciation is more common for present participles and less common for verbal nouns.

Translations

See also