-in'

Alternative forms

• -in

Origin

Alternate pronunciation of -ing with /n/ instead of /Å‹/.

From two sources

• the Old English present participle suffix -ende
• the Old English verbal noun suffix -ung/-ing.

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

Full definition of -in'

Suffix

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.