Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[HiPhOpEr]

hi.. i just wanted to ask you..
when do i use "ain't"..?
ty

[+Immune+]

it's a short form of 'am not', 'is not', 'are not', 'has not' or 'have not'

e.g. He ain't going means the same as He (is not!) going

Greets
_________________
"Understand that hapiness is not based on possesions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect"

Well, um.. "Never open the refrigerator when you're bored"

[HiPhOpEr]

thanks! i were always wondering about it..
ty for the help i appreciate it

[pugachevV]

You use ain't if you are trying to write dialogue for some uneducated backwoods dwelling moron.
Or, on the other hand, you use it to write dialogue for some educated individual who is trying to sound like an uneducated backwoods dwelling moron.
In other words, you don't use it in formal composition except as dialogue.