Using isn't, can't etc.

Most serious non-fiction writers seem to prefer "is not", "cannot", etc. to
"isn't" and "can't".

On the other hand, some writers seem to prefer the shortened forms in order to
give a conversational tone to their writings.

How do you feel about this? Do the shortened forms sound silly, or do they
make the text more pleasant to read? Is there any difference between what is
common in the UK and what is common in the US?

--
Claus Tondering
.

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