But only if you're using the word correctly. You're is the contraction of You Are. You are right. You are using the word correctly. You are a great writer. You're NOT a great writer if you're substituting* the contracted form of You Are with Your. Your readers will no longer respect you because they will question your command of the English language. If you think this is harsh, you're wrong; this is for your own good.

*We'll talk about passive context another time!

Contractions have a purpose. Women will tell you this (they'll also tell you things you don't want to know about contractions so tread carefully); however, the contractions on this page are of the grammatical variety.

Contractions involve the removal of one or more letters from one or more words (borrowing from yesterday's tip: you are = you're). This changes not only the length of a sentence but the tone as well: I am confident you will enjoy what I have written today because it is not about childbirth (but it will not fit on Twitter because I have tested it) is more formal than I'm confident you'll enjoy what I've written today because it isn't about childbirth (and it'll fit on Twitter because I've tested it).

Combining two words by removing just the space between them is another perfectly legitimate process but can be dangerous if left in the wrong hands. Many words are correct either way but it's all in the intent: The practice of combining or separating words is a part of everyday communication but every day editors must put words back together that weren't meant to be taken apart and take apart words not meant to be combined. This happens a lot.

You'll note I haven't offered an alternative for a lot. This isn't an oversight and it'd mean a lot to me if you'd please guard the space between these two words with your life.