Say NO to "ain’t"

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a popular expression that means don’t try to change something that is working well.  It has the word ain’t in it. “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” is the corrected version of this sentence. 

Ain’t is often heard in music, movies, TV, and in conversations (two famous song examples are “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by The Temptations, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers), but there is much disagreement on its use in the English language. 

Ain't is a contraction for am not, is not, are not, has not, and have not but it’s strictly slang. I never say it and I don’t recommend that you say it. It’s considered by many to be incorrect or "bad" English although it is common in the speech of some people. The use of ain’t is generally viewed negatively as a sign of low education or low economic status. 

Perhaps this funny little poem will encourage you to never say ain’t: 

Don't say 'ain't'.
Your mother will faint.
Your father will fall
In a bucket of paint.
Your sister will cry.
Your brother will sigh.
The cat and dog will say good-bye.