-in'

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Alternate pronunciation of -ing with /n/ instead of /ŋ/. It is derived from two sources:

The two Old English suffixes became confused in Modern English, due at least partly to the practice of spelling them both as -ing.

Suffix

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-in'

  1. (Mid-Ulster, colloquial, pronunciation spelling) Alternative form of -ing

Usage notes

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  • 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. However, some speakers can either 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.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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Anagrams

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Portuguese

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Pronunciation

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Suffix

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-in'

  1. (poetic) Nonstandard form of -inho.
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Scots

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Suffix

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-in'

  1. Alternative form of -in (ing)