What is a contraction word list

Contraction Words List: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses, Marketers, and Researchers

Contraction words are an important part of any language, but they can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. This guide will provide a comprehensive list of contraction words, as well as their definitions and usage.

What are Contraction Words?

Contraction words are two words that are combined into one shorter word. They are formed by taking the first letter of each word and combining them with an apostrophe. For example, “can’t” is a contraction of “cannot”.

Contraction words are used to make language more concise and efficient. They are also used to add emphasis to a statement or to make a statement more casual.

Examples of Contraction Words

Here are some examples of contraction words:

  • Can’t (cannot)
  • Shouldn’t (should not)
  • Wouldn’t (would not)
  • Isn’t (is not)
  • Don’t (do not)
  • Couldn’t (could not)
  • Won’t (will not)
  • Hasn’t (has not)
  • Isn’t (is not)
  • Aren’t (are not)
  • It’s (it is)
  • That’s (that is)
  • Who’s (who is)
  • What’s (what is)
  • Where’s (where is)
  • When’s (when is)
  • Why’s (why is)

How to Use Contraction Words

Contraction words should be used sparingly and only when they are appropriate for the context. They should not be used in formal writing or in situations where clarity is important.

When using contraction words, it is important to remember that they are not always interchangeable. For example, “can’t” cannot be used in place of “shouldn’t”.

Benefits of Using Contraction Words

Using contraction words can help to make language more concise and efficient. It can also help to make a statement more casual and add emphasis.

Contraction words can also help to make language more accessible. They can make it easier for people to understand complex concepts or ideas.

Tips for Using Contraction Words

  • Be sure to use the correct contraction word for the context.
  • Be aware of the tone of your writing. Contraction words can make a statement more casual.
  • Be aware of the audience. Contraction words should not be used in formal writing.
  • Avoid overusing contraction words. They should be used sparingly.

Conclusion

Contraction words are an important part of any language. They can help to make language more concise and efficient, as well as make a statement more casual and add emphasis. However, it is important to use them correctly and sparingly.

This guide has provided a comprehensive list of contraction words, as well as their definitions and usage. It has also provided tips for using contraction words and the benefits of using them.

By following these tips and using contraction words correctly, businesses, marketers, and researchers can make their language more efficient and effective.

What is contraction words list?

Common contracted words in English list

BE HAD
I I’m I am I’d I had
YOU you’re you are you’d you had
HE he’s he is he’d he had
SHE she’s she is she’d she had

What are contracted words?

Contracted words (sometimes called contractions) are short words made by putting two words together. When you squeeze the words together, some of the letters drop out and you add an apostrophe instead.

Which spelling words are contractions?

A contraction is a shortened form of two words, often a pronoun and a verb (I + am = I’m) or a verb and the word not (is + not = isn’t), where an apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter or letters.

How do you teach contractions words?

6 Ways to Teach Contractions

  1. Use a rubber band to demonstrate to your student the concept of expanding and contracting.
  2. Demonstrate the concept of contractions by writing he is on a piece of paper, or use letter tiles if you have them.
  3. Explain that an apostrophe is a type of punctuation mark.

Why you shouldn’t use contractions?

Contractions are a part of informal writing. Thus, avoid contractions in scholarly writing, except for under the following circumstances: Scientific writing should be formal but it doesn’t have to be stuffy. It is okay to have a moment of informality as long as the overall tone is appropriately formal.

When should I use contractions?

We use contractions (I’m, we’re) in everyday speech and informal writing. Contractions, which are sometimes called ‘short forms’, commonly combine a pronoun or noun and a verb, or a verb and not, in a shorter form. Contractions are usually not appropriate in formal writing.

Are contractions bad in essays?

Most English teachers say contractions should never be used in writing, at least not in formal writing (see here, here, and here). However, the reality is that contractions have been used in English writing for over 1,400 years.

Should contractions be used in business writing?

Our Recommendation. Use contractions in your business writing if it will sound more stilted or awkward not to use them. I set my grammar check to flag contractions. If writing out the word or phrase sounds stilted, I use a more natural sounding contraction.

What should be applied to contractions?

The answer is apostrophe I think.

Should you avoid contractions in college essays?

Academic essays are supposed to be composed in formal English. Contractions are applied in informal writing and speech and most instructors don’t approve their application in essays, especially application essays. Contractions should also be avoided in journal and business articles.

Does a bad college essay matter?

The bad news? No matter how gorgeous your prose is, you can’t get into college based on the strength of your essay alone. “No-one ever gets into college because you write a great essay,” Heaton says. “You can not get in because you write a really bad one.”

Can you swear in the Common App essay?

No, it is not okay to cuss in a college essay. College writing is formal register writing, which means that you use whole words rather than abbreviations, you maintain a respectful tone, and you present support for your ideas so that the reader will be comfortable agreeing with you.

Can I say you in a college essay?

On a high school essay, it’s generally not appropriate to use the first-person. Not only is it fine to make “I” statements in your application essays, but colleges expect your essays to sound like you, too! Always be yourself in your application, not the candidate you think admissions committees want to see.

Do colleges like sad essays?

Many colleges do not like the tone that is evoked through sob stories. However, it’s definitely possible to write a strong essay that includes a sob story. It’s all about how you frame the story for the reader.

Do college essays have to be true?

Your essay should be genuine and based on fact, not fiction. You don’t have to pull out all the stops to impress the reader, you just have to be authentic and creative. There should be no mention of how miraculous your life is and how profound you can be.

Does college essay have to be a story?

You can write about pretty much anything – an experience, an inanimate object, a movie, a place, a person – as long as your essay reveals how that experience, thing, movie, place, or person made an impact on you.

How do I start an essay about myself?

Let’s start with some examples of personal essay prompts:

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Describe a challenge or event that made you who you are today.
  3. What are your short and long-term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
  4. Write about a time you failed at something. How did it affect you?

Can you use names in college essays?

No. God knows why a student would wish to present as well-rounded but it will not guarantee that student’s rejection. It will only significantly increase the likelihood of rejection. Name dropping in college essays is one of the items on our checklist of things that will make rejection exceedingly likely.

How do you know if your college essay is good?

4 Ways to Know if You’ve Written a Good College Essay

  1. Put the essay away for a day or two. Then read it again.
  2. Read your essay out loud. You shouldn’t stumble over words or phrases when you read your essay out loud.
  3. Ask yourself if your essay says everything you want it to say about you.
  4. Pretend you’re a college reader.

How do I know if my essay is good?

4 Signs That Your Essay is Well Done

  1. Good sign#1: Address the main question in the introduction. Let’s start with an introduction paragraph.
  2. Good sign#2: Stay focused on the topic (especially, in the conclusion)
  3. Good sign #3: Use quotes correctly.
  4. Good sign #4: You use formal academic language.

Are metaphors good for college essays?

A metaphor can be a strong device to use in your college essays, but you’ll need to keep a few important considerations in mind. You’ll need to choose something unique to stand out, and describe it well. And you certainly don’t want to write an essay with overused clichés.

Is it OK to use you in an essay?

The use of “you” is acceptable in certain types of informal writing, such as personal letters and narratives. However, “you” is generally considered inappropriate in academic writing, such as papers or journals.

What is contraction words list?

by
Alex Heath

·
2019-09-08

What is contraction words list?

Common contracted words in English list

BE HAD
I I’m I am I’d I had
YOU you’re you are you’d you had
HE he’s he is he’d he had
SHE she’s she is she’d she had

How many contractions are there in English grammar?

Contraction words are made out of common words, and there are a little over 90 standard contractions.

What does contractions mean in English?

A contraction is a shortened form of a word (or group of words) that omits certain letters or sounds. The most common contractions are made up of verbs, auxiliaries, or modals attached to other words: He would=He’d.

How can you tell the difference between a possessive noun and a contraction?

The possessive form is, for example, “your,” “their,” and “its,” whereas the contractions would be “you’re,” “they’re,” and “it’s.” Remember, the possessive form of a word shows ownership or possession of something. A contraction is a shortened combination of two ordinarily separate words and contains an apostrophe.

How do you use contractions in English?

We use contractions (I’m, we’re) in everyday speech and informal writing. Contractions, which are sometimes called ‘short forms’, commonly combine a pronoun or noun and a verb, or a verb and not, in a shorter form. Contractions are usually not appropriate in formal writing.

How do you stop contractions in writing?

1. Avoid using contractions in formal writing. A contraction is a combination of two words as one, such as “don’t,” “can’t,” and “isn’t.” The use of contractions is inappropriate in formal legal writing. Replace them with the two-word version of the contraction.

How do you write contractions in writing?

Use an apostrophe to make a contraction. You then insert an apostrophe to replace certain letters in the two words. For example: “he is” is contracted to: “he’s”. “They are” is contracted to: “they’re”. You use contractions in a sentence to shorten the phrase and give it a less formal tone.

What is the 4 1 1 Rule labor?

According to the “411 Rule” (commonly recommended by doulas and midwives), you should go to the hospital when your contractions are coming regularly 4 minutes apart, each one lasts at least 1 minute, and they have been following this pattern for at least 1 hour.

How can you tell your going into labor soon?

You know you’re in true labor when:

  • You have strong and regular contractions. A contraction is when the muscles of your uterus tighten up like a fist and then relax.
  • You feel pain in your belly and lower back.
  • You have a bloody (brownish or reddish) mucus discharge.
  • Your water breaks.

What are signs you may go into labor soon?

Signs of labor

  • Baby drops.
  • Cervix dilates.
  • Cramps and increased back pain.
  • Loose-feeling joints.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Weight gain stops.
  • Fatigue and the nesting instinct.
  • Loss of mucus plug and vaginal discharge changes.

Can you be 5 cm without contractions?

You can walk around with dilation of 4 or even 5 centimeters, but without regular contractions, you’re not in labor. But don’t worry. Whether you dilate a little, a lot, or not at all, baby’s on their way.

How many cm Do you have to be for the hospital to keep you?

Generally speaking, once you are dilated past 5 or 6 centimeters and having regular contractions, most practitioners will be fairly insistent that you remain in the hospital or birth center until your baby is born.

What is silent labor?

It’s thought that their womb (uterus) contracts so painlessly that they don’t feel the contractions in the first stage of labour at all. If this happens to you, the first clue that your baby is on his way may only come as you enter your second stage of labour.

Will hospital send you home at 4 cm?

If you are less than 4 cm dilated and your labor isn’t active enough for hospital admission, you might be sent home. Don’t be discouraged. It is very common to mistake the signs of early labor for active labor.

How many cm are you when you lose your mucus plug?

As your cervix dilates during pregnancy, a mucus plug forms to seal the opening. In the third trimester, your cervix may dilate up to 3 cm, and the mucus plug could be released in one piece or as a thick discharge.

Will I be admitted if im 4 cm dilated?

Typically, if you’re 4 cm dilated, you’re in the active stage of labor; if you’re fully dilated, you’re ready to start pushing. Your health practitioner will probably check for dilation and fill you in on your progress during your prenatal visits in the later stages of your pregnancy.

How long can you stay at 4 cm dilated?

What to expect: Early labor will last approximately 8-12 hours. Your cervix will efface and dilate to 4 centimeters. Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions.

How long does it take to go from 4cm to 10cm dilated?

The average time it took to dilate one centimetre in active labour (from 6cm) was half an hour (faster for experienced mothers). 95% of women took less than 2 hours to dilate one centimetre during active labour.

How long does it take to go from 3cm to 4cm dilated?

“Once you are at 3 to 4cm and in active labour, the cervix generally dilates at about 1 cm per hour, though again it can be quicker. If things are progressing much slower than this, then your midwife may consider interventions to help.”

How can I speed up labor at 3 cm dilated?

How to dilate faster at home

  1. Move around. Share on Pinterest Using an exercise ball may help to speed up dilation.
  2. Use an exercise ball. A large inflatable exercise ball, called a birthing ball in this case, may also help.
  3. Relax.
  4. Laugh.
  5. Have sex.

How long does it take to go from 3cm to 10cm dilated?

Active Phase: 6 to 7 cm goes even faster — an average of 36 minutes. From there on out, most women will dilate about 1 cm every 30 minutes until the cervix is finally 10 cm dilated (3). In total, active labor can last about 4.5 hours for a first-time mom and 2.5 hours for a mom who has given birth before.

Does mean if your 3 cm dilated?

Based on the timing of your contractions and other signs, your doctor or midwife will tell you to head to the hospital for active labor. This phase typically lasts from three to five hours and continues from the time your cervix is 3 cm until it is dilated to 7 cm. True labor produces signs you don’t want to ignore.

How can I make labor come faster?

Natural Ways to Induce Labor

  1. Exercise.
  2. Sex.
  3. Nipple stimulation.
  4. Acupuncture.
  5. Acupressure.
  6. Castor oil.
  7. Spicy foods.
  8. Red raspberry leaf tea.

What can I do to go into labor tonight?

Natural ways to induce labor

  1. Get moving. Movement may help start labor.
  2. Have sex. Sex is often recommended for getting labor started.
  3. Try to relax.
  4. Eat something spicy.
  5. Down a little castor oil.
  6. Schedule an acupuncture session.
  7. Ask your doctor to strip your membranes.
  8. Go herbal.

Can squats induce labor?

Squats. Gentle squats have been known to help induce labour. The up and down movement helps get the baby into a better position and helps to stimulate dilation. It is important to make sure that the squats are not too deep, as to not cause injury.

What foods will put you into labor?

Foods that supposedly induce labor

  • Pineapple. There’s nothing quite as sweet as fresh pineapple.
  • Dates. The fruit of the date palm tree, dates are very nutritious.
  • Spicy food.
  • Prego pizza.
  • Maternity salad.
  • The “Inducer” pizza.
  • Eggplant.
  • Cupcakes.

What is contraction words list?

by
Alex Heath

·
2019-03-02

What is contraction words list?

Common contracted words in English list

BE HAD
I I’m I am I’d I had
YOU you’re you are you’d you had
HE he’s he is he’d he had
SHE she’s she is she’d she had

What are the most common contractions?

A contraction is a shortened form of a word (or group of words) that omits certain letters or sounds. In most contractions, an apostrophe represents the missing letters. The most common contractions are made up of verbs, auxiliaries, or modals attached to other words: He would=He’d. I have=I’ve.

What are contracted words?

Contracted words (sometimes called contractions) are short words made by putting two words together. When you squeeze the words together, some of the letters drop out and you add an apostrophe instead.

Which spelling words are contractions?

A contraction is a shortened form of two words, often a pronoun and a verb (I + am = I’m) or a verb and the word not (is + not = isn’t), where an apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter or letters.

How do you teach contractions words?

6 Ways to Teach Contractions

  1. Use a rubber band to demonstrate to your student the concept of expanding and contracting.
  2. Demonstrate the concept of contractions by writing he is on a piece of paper, or use letter tiles if you have them.
  3. Explain that an apostrophe is a type of punctuation mark.

What is a example of contraction?

A contraction is a word made by shortening and combining two words. Words like can’t (can + not), don’t (do + not), and I’ve (I + have) are all contractions. People use contractions in both speaking and writing.

Are you a formal contraction?

Avoid “You’re” in Formal Writing As a general rule, contractions (e.g., “you’re,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” “don’t,” “it’s”) are not used in formal writing. In official correspondence, the normal practice is to expand them to their full forms.

Why you shouldn’t use contractions?

Contractions are a part of informal writing. Thus, avoid contractions in scholarly writing, except for under the following circumstances: Scientific writing should be formal but it doesn’t have to be stuffy. It is okay to have a moment of informality as long as the overall tone is appropriately formal.

Should contractions be used in business writing?

Our Recommendation. Use contractions in your business writing if it will sound more stilted or awkward not to use them. I set my grammar check to flag contractions. If writing out the word or phrase sounds stilted, I use a more natural sounding contraction.

What should be applied to contractions?

The answer is apostrophe I think.

Should you avoid contractions in college essays?

Academic essays are supposed to be composed in formal English. Contractions are applied in informal writing and speech and most instructors don’t approve their application in essays, especially application essays. Contractions should also be avoided in journal and business articles.

Does a bad college essay matter?

The bad news? No matter how gorgeous your prose is, you can’t get into college based on the strength of your essay alone. “No-one ever gets into college because you write a great essay,” Heaton says. “You can not get in because you write a really bad one.”

Can you swear in the Common App essay?

No, it is not okay to cuss in a college essay. College writing is formal register writing, which means that you use whole words rather than abbreviations, you maintain a respectful tone, and you present support for your ideas so that the reader will be comfortable agreeing with you.

Can I say you in a college essay?

On a high school essay, it’s generally not appropriate to use the first-person. Not only is it fine to make “I” statements in your application essays, but colleges expect your essays to sound like you, too! Always be yourself in your application, not the candidate you think admissions committees want to see.

Do colleges like sad essays?

Many colleges do not like the tone that is evoked through sob stories. However, it’s definitely possible to write a strong essay that includes a sob story. It’s all about how you frame the story for the reader.

Do college essays have to be true?

Your essay should be genuine and based on fact, not fiction. You don’t have to pull out all the stops to impress the reader, you just have to be authentic and creative. There should be no mention of how miraculous your life is and how profound you can be.

Does college essay have to be a story?

You can write about pretty much anything – an experience, an inanimate object, a movie, a place, a person – as long as your essay reveals how that experience, thing, movie, place, or person made an impact on you.

How do I start an essay about myself?

Let’s start with some examples of personal essay prompts:

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Describe a challenge or event that made you who you are today.
  3. What are your short and long-term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
  4. Write about a time you failed at something. How did it affect you?

Can you use names in college essays?

No. God knows why a student would wish to present as well-rounded but it will not guarantee that student’s rejection. It will only significantly increase the likelihood of rejection. Name dropping in college essays is one of the items on our checklist of things that will make rejection exceedingly likely.

How do you know if your college essay is good?

4 Ways to Know if You’ve Written a Good College Essay

  1. Put the essay away for a day or two. Then read it again.
  2. Read your essay out loud. You shouldn’t stumble over words or phrases when you read your essay out loud.
  3. Ask yourself if your essay says everything you want it to say about you.
  4. Pretend you’re a college reader.

How do I know if my essay is good?

4 Signs That Your Essay is Well Done

  1. Good sign#1: Address the main question in the introduction. Let’s start with an introduction paragraph.
  2. Good sign#2: Stay focused on the topic (especially, in the conclusion)
  3. Good sign #3: Use quotes correctly.
  4. Good sign #4: You use formal academic language.

Are metaphors good for college essays?

A metaphor can be a strong device to use in your college essays, but you’ll need to keep a few important considerations in mind. You’ll need to choose something unique to stand out, and describe it well. And you certainly don’t want to write an essay with overused clichés.

Is it OK to use you in an essay?

The use of “you” is acceptable in certain types of informal writing, such as personal letters and narratives. However, “you” is generally considered inappropriate in academic writing, such as papers or journals.

Here is our top list of contraction words that you can add to your writing.

Understanding English contraction words is critical in speaking, writing, and reading. Not knowing how contraction words work will confuse learners and make studying the language more challenging.  

Contents

  • What Are Contraction Words?
  • Subject Pronoun + Verb Contraction Words
  • Verb + Not Contraction Words
  • Interrogative Contraction Words
  • Informal Contraction Words
  • Other Contraction Words
  • Author

What Are Contraction Words?

List of contraction words

Of the Clock = O’clock is an example of contraction words

A contraction results from combining two or more words to create a shorter term with different sounds and spelling. The keyword for contraction words is “shortened.” They can be used to make writing less formal. Contraction words are easier to read, making any type of writing sound more relatable and casual.

You can make contractions by removing certain letters and replacing them with an apostrophe (‘). When using contractions in writing, remember not to put contractions at the end of a sentence. This way, you’ll make your writing simple, engaging, and fun. 

Listed below are the different types of contraction words to use in writing and communicating:

Am Not = Ain’t Kind of = Kinda We Have = We’ve
Are Not = Aren’t Let Me = Lemme We Will = We’ll
Bet You = Betcha Let Us = Let’s What Are = What’re
Can Not = Can’t Might Have = Might’ve What Are You = Whatcha
Could Have = Could’ve Might Not = Mightn’t What Is = What’s
Could Not = Couldn’t Must Have = Must’ve What Have = What’ve
Do Not = Don’t Must Not = Mustn’t What Will = What’ll
Does Not = Doesn’t Need Not = Needn’t When Is = When’s
Don’t Know = Dunno Of the Clock = O’clock When Will = When’ll
Don’t You = Doncha Ought Not = Oughtn’t Where Are = Where’re
Give Me = Gimme Out of = Outta Where Is = Where’s
Going to = Gonna She Is = She’s Where Have = Where’ve
Got to = Gotta She Will = She’ll Where Will = Where’ll
Got You = Gotcha Should Have = Should’ve Why Are = Why’re
Has Not = Hasn’t Should Not = Shouldn’t Why Is = Why’s
Have Not = Haven’t Sort of = Sorta Why Have = Why’ve
He Is = He’s That Is = That’s Why Will = Why’ll
He Will = He’ll That Will = That’ll Who Is = Who’s
How Are = How’re That Would = That’d Who Have = Who’ve
How Is = How’s There Is = There’s Who Will = Who’ll
How Have = How’ve They Are = They’re Will Not = Won’t
I Am = I’m They Have = They’ve Wont You = Woncha
I Had = I’d They Will = They’ll Would Not = Wouldn’t
I Have = I’ve Want to = Wanna You All = Y’all
I Will = I’ll We Are = We’re You Are = You’re
Is Not = Isn’t It Is = It’s You Have You’ve
It Was = ‘twas It Will = It’ll You Will = You’ll

Are you writing a story? Make your work more interesting by using different points of view.

Subject Pronoun + Verb Contraction Words

The combination of subject pronouns and verbs is common in English. In most cases, you will add a verb to a pronoun, but you can also use nouns and words like “here” and “there.” Take note that adding “would” and “had” for this type is also possible. Here are some examples you can study:

  1. He Is = He’s

Look at the small boy with blonde hair; he’s the youngest brother of Clyde.

  1. He Will = He’ll

Don’t worry, Jason promised he’ll pay for our breakfast.

  1. I Am = I’m

I’m going to the park.

  1. I Have = I’ve

I’ve never eaten exotic foods.

  1. I Will = I’ll

I’ll finish the task today.

  1. It Is = It’s

It’s time for your medicine.

  1. It Will = It’ll

It’ll take me about an hour or two to finish the task.

  1. She Is = She’s

She’s crying while listening to a song.

  1. She Will = She’ll

I know she’ll get the highest score.

  1. That Is = That’s

Linda is not coming; that’s why Angelo is sad.

  1. That Will = That’ll

Give Jana strong coffee that’ll sober her up.

  1. They Are = They’re

They’re selling the latest headphones model.

  1. They Have = They’ve

They’ve never seen the new neighbors.

  1. They Will = They’ll

My parents said they’ll be back on Wednesday.

  1. We Are = We’re

We’re preparing for the game tomorrow.

  1. We Have = We’ve

We’ve been looking for you!

  1. We Will = We’ll

We’ll have to stay here if it continues to rain.

  1. You Are = You’re

You’re good at painting!

  1. You Have You’ve

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

  1. You Will = You’ll

You’ll have to ask the committee to join the contest.

Verb + Not Contraction Words

Verb + contraction words can be known as negating contractions. This category includes “not” to negate a verb. To create these contractions, the space between the two words is eliminated. Then, the “o” in “not” is removed and replaced with an apostrophe. Check out the examples below to better understand these words.

  1. Are Not = Aren’t

Why aren’t you telling me the truth?

  1. Can Not = Can’t

I can’t do this anymore!

  1. Could Not = Couldn’t

I couldn’t find my favorite book.

  1. Do Not = Don’t

Don’t worry; I know we can do this.

  1. Does Not = Doesn’t

He looks like a prince, doesn’t he?

  1. Has Not = Hasn’t

Lia hasn’t been well the past few days.

  1. Have Not = Haven’t

I haven’t slept for days!

  1. Is Not = Isn’t

Isn’t that your boyfriend?

  1. Might Not = Mightn’t

You mightn’t believe it, but I know she is lying!

  1. Must Not = Mustn’t

Tell your friends they mustn’t make a lot of mess.

  1. Need Not = Needn’t

Dad said we needn’t go until about eight o’clock.

  1. Ought Not = Oughtn’t

Gian oughtn’t to miss the big job opportunity.

  1. Should Not = Shouldn’t

I shouldn’t have gone to this party.

  1. Will Not = Won’t

Hey honey, just reminding you that I won’t be home tonight.

  1. Would Not = Wouldn’t

I wouldn’t mind spending forever with you.

Interrogative Contraction Words

Interrogative contractions are used when asking questions. The rule here is to combine interrogative adverbs with a verb. See how to form and use interrogative contractions below:

  1. How Are = How’re

Hi, how’re you doing today?

  1. How Is = How’s

How’s your knee injury?

  1. How Have = How’ve

How’ve you been the past year?

  1. What Are = What’re

What’re your favorite books to read?

  1. What Is = What’s

What’s the new student’s name?

  1. What Have = What’ve

What’ve you done with my project?

  1. What Will = What’ll

Dad warns me of what’ll happen if I try to break my promise.

  1. When Is = When’s

When’s the enrollment for senior high school?

  1. When Will = When’ll

When’ll we do this again?

  1. Where Are = Where’re

Where’re you going for summer vacation?

  1. Where Is = Where’s

Where’s the supermarket’s dairy section?

  1. Where Have = Where’ve

Where’ve you been?

  1. Where Will = Where’ll

Where’ll we be looking for a new Juliet?

  1. Why Are = Why’re

Why’re you always late for my class, Miss Andrews?

  1. Why Is = Why’s

Why’s there no 13th floor in that tall building?

  1. Why Have = Why’ve

Why’ve you quit your job?

  1. Why Will = Why’ll

Why’ll my order be later than the others?

  1. Who Is = Who’s

Who’s the new executive secretary?

  1. Who Have = Who’ve

Jackie Chan is one of the best Asian stars who’ve made it big in Hollywood.

  1. Who Will = Who’ll

If the Queen dies, who’ll inherit the crown?

Informal Contraction Words

Informal contraction words, like the label suggests, are words accepted in casual conversation. They’re usually used when speaking but never in formal writing. Look at the examples below to know how to use these words in communication.

  1. Bet You = Betcha

I betcha my allowance this week that Kyla will reject Andrew.

  1. Don’t Know = Dunno

I dunno what you are talking about.

  1. Don’t You = Doncha

Doncha tell me what to do!

  1. Give Me = Gimme

Gimme 10 minutes; I will be there soon.

  1. Going to = Gonna

From now on, I’m gonna look out for myself.

  1. Got to = Gotta

I gotta tell you something, are you busy?

  1. Got You = Gotcha

Mom, I gotcha favorite ice cream!

  1. Kind of = Kinda

It’s kinda awkward to go to a party with my brother.

  1. Let Me = Lemme

I know you’re busy these days but lemme know if you will come to my party.

  1. Out of = Outta

My friend Crystal said she wanted to get outta here immediately.

  1. Sort of = Sorta

This top barely covers anything, and I feel sorta naked.

  1. Want to = Wanna

I wanna go to the concert, but my mom says no.

  1. What Are You = Whatcha

Hey, bestie, whatcha doing?

  1. Won’t You = Woncha

Woncha like to know the reason why she said that?

The lists above are the common contraction words used in English, but there are more contraction words that do not fit into a specific category. Here are the lists of contraction words, also recognized as English terms.

  1. Am Not = Ain’t

I ain’t going nowhere near those people.

  1. Could Have = Could’ve

I could’ve cooked for you if you had just asked.

  1. I Had = I’d

I’d rather be with my parents than you.

  1. It Was = ’twas

‘Twas nice meeting you. Can we hang out again soon?

  1. Let Us = Let’s

You like Princess Diana, right? Then let’s watch the new movie “The Princess” tonight.

  1. Might Have = Might’ve

I might’ve got a little crush on him.

  1. Must Have = Must’ve

Everyone must’ve evacuated before the storm.

  1. Of the Clock = O’clock

The organizer said the start would be at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

  1. Should Have = Should’ve

Cecile should’ve checked her son’s well-being before going to the market.

  1. That Would = That’d

If you can help me have an appointment, that’d be nice.

  1. There Is = There’s

There’s a massive spider in my room!

  1. You All = Y’all

Have y’all been to the new bar in town?

Are you looking for a surefire way to improve your writing skills? Check this article for everything you need to know about collaborative writing.For more, check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays.

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  • Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn’t only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Contractions are so common that we seldom realize that we’re using them. So what are they? The shortened form of a word or group of words is known as contraction. A word is shortened by the omission of certain letters or sounds. An apostrophe represents the missing letters in most of the contractions. The most used contractions are made up of verbs, auxiliaries, or modals attached to other words:

  • He would=He’d.
  • You cannot=You can’t
  • I have=I’ve.
  • They are=They’re

Contractions are used in speech and informal forms of writing. However, make sure to avoid contractions in formal writing.

  • How do Contractions Work?
  • When to Use Contractions?
  • Common Contraction Words
  • Negating Contractions
  • Interrogative Contractions
  • Informal Contractions
  • Importance of Contractions
  • What are the benefits of using contractions?
  • When are contradictions used?
  • What are some of the common contractions in English?

How do Contractions Work?

As already mentioned all contractions consist of an apostrophe that represents the missing letters. Identifying the right place to put the apostrophe can appear tricky, but there is a rule that works with every contraction.

Contractions are made of two words that are shortened. An apostrophe replaces any letters that were present in the original words, but that which do not exist in the contraction. Example: The contraction wouldn’t mean would not. The ‘o’ in not’ is not there in the word wouldn’t. The apostrophe takes its place, right between the n and t.

When to Use Contractions?

You can use contractions in many cases and they are explained as follows

  • Contractions are common in everyday conversations. The use of contractions saves time.
  • Some people are often misguided thinking that contractions should never be used in writing. This belief is wrong. The use of contractions depends on the tone of writing.
  • In informal writings, you can make use of contractions to maintain a friendly tone. In formal writings, contractions are avoided to maintain a serious tone.

See More:

  • Word Classes
  • Root Words

Common Contraction Words

Given below is a list of the most commonly used contractions:

Contraction Words Base Words
I’d I had
I’ll I will
I’m  I am
I’ve I have
they’ve  they have
could’ve could have
he’d  he had or he would
he’s he is
he’ll/she’ll he will/she will
we’d  we had or we would
we’ll we will
we’re we are
we’ve we have
let’s let us
might’ve might have
must’ve must have
she’d she had or she would
should’ve should have
there’s there is
they’re they are
they’d they would
they’ll they will

Common Contraction Words

Negating Contractions

These contractions include the word ‘not’ and negate the meaning of the verb.

  • don’t- do not
  • hadn’t- had not
  • hasn’t- has not
  • haven’t- have not
  • isn’t- is not
  • shouldn’t- should not
  • wasn’t- was not
  • weren’t- were not
  • won’t- will not
  • aren’t – are not
  • can’t- can not
  • couldn’t- could not
  • didn’t- did not
  • doesn’t- does not
  • mustn’t- must not

Interrogative Contractions

Interrogative adverbs are generally combined with the verb to form a contraction. These include

  • What are = What’re
  • What will = What’ll
  • Where is = Where’s
  • Where are = Where’re
  • Where will = Where’ll
  • Who is = Who’s
  • Who are = Who’re
  • Who will = Who’ll
  • Who had, who would = Who’d
  • Who have = Who’ve
  • What is = What’s
  • Where had, where would = Where’d
  • Where have = Where’ve
  • Why is = Why’s
  • What had, what would = What’d
  • What have = What’ve
  • When is = When’s
  • When are = When’re
  • When will = When’ll
  • When had, when would = When’d
  • When have = When’ve

Informal Contractions

Many contractions have evolved through speech. However, these informal contractions are not used in formal writing. Here is a list of such contractions:

  • Sort of- Sorta
  • Kind of- Kinda
  • Got to- Gotta
  • Going to- Gonna
  • Got you- Gotcha
  • Dancing- Dancin
  • Give me- Gimme

What are Contractions in English Grammar

Importance of Contractions

Contractions aren’t mandatory in written English. Using the complete word is always grammatically correct. However, there are several reasons why contractions are preferred in English:

  • Contractions provide a friendly tone to what you write. The use of contradictions makes it appear as if you are directly “talking” to your reader.
  • In a novel or play, contractions help you reflect on how a character Most importantly, contractions save space. Advertisements, slogans, and other written works can be kept short with the help of contractions.

FAQs on Contractions

1. What are the benefits of using contractions?
The shortened form of a word or group of words is known as contraction. A word is shortened by the omission of certain letters or sounds. The use of contraction gives a friendly tone to what you write. In addition, it also saves your space and time.

2. When are contradictions used?

  • Contractions are common in everyday conversations.
  • In informal writings, you can make use of contractions to maintain a friendly tone.
  • In formal writing, contractions are avoided to maintain a serious tone.

3. What are some of the common contractions in English?

The shortened form of a word or group of words is known as contraction. A word is shortened by the omission of certain letters or sounds. Some of the common contractions include: we’d, I’d, Who’re, she’d, etc.

Conclusion

Contractions are common in English. Even though contractions may seem confusing at first, it’s the aptest way for you to save time and space. Hence the use of contractions makes your speech and writing simpler. Check out English Vocabulary Words as well to expand your knowledge base on the language.

What Are Contractions in English Grammar? — Summary

Contractions are shortened versions of words or phrases formed by omitting certain letters. In writing, an apostrophe indicates the omission. Examples of contractions are:

  • cannot = can’t
  • you + are = you’re
  • would + have = would’ve

What Is a Contraction?

A contraction is when a word or phrase is shortened, creating a new singular word. This is done by omitting certain letters from the word(s). In writing, an apostrophe replaces the omitted letter(s).

did + not = didn’t

Singular words can be contracted. For example, can’t is the contracted version of cannot and ma’am for madam. It’s even possible to combine three or more words (she would have = she’d’ve), although this is only found in colloquial speech and shouldn’t be used in writing.

The most common type of contraction in English is the two-word contraction. This means that two words are combined to create a condensed word. However, you can’t simply combine any two words and call it a day. There are rules that should be followed if you want to use contractions correctly. Below, we’ll show you how to form contractions, explain the rules, and provide examples.


How To Form a Contraction

Most contractions are formed by shortening the second word. The first word used in a contraction can also be shortened, but this is much more common in informal and casual speech or writing.

It’s also important to remember that the apostrophe does not indicate where the space would be found between the two words. Instead, the apostrophe shows where a letter has been excluded.

She has’nt been picked up from school yet.

She hasn’t been picked up from school yet.

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s go over how to form contractions.

Keep in Mind

Contractions are usually found in casual speech and informal writing. Many style guides suggest not including contractions in formal writing.


Writing Contractions With Forms of “To Be”

To be is the most common verb in English. It can be a linking verb or an auxiliary verb. It has eight different forms, but only the present simple tense forms—is, am, and are—get contracted.

Is:

Is is used for third-person singular subjects. It’s contracted by replacing the “i” with an apostrophe.

She called to inform us that she’s going to be late.

Is is commonly contracted with question words like who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Who is going to be there? = Who’s going to be there?

What is going on? = What’s going on?

Where is he going? = Where’s he going?

When is he arriving?  = When’s he arriving?

Why is she asking that? = Why’s she asking that?

How is it going? = How’s it going?

Am:

Am is used for first-person singular subjects and only gets contracted with the pronoun “I.” The apostrophe replaces the “a” in “am.”

I’m not sure if I’ll be going to the party or not.

Are:

Are is used for second-person singular subjects and first, second, and third-person plural subjects. It is contracted by replacing the “a” with an apostrophe.

  • You’re not going to believe what happened.
  • We’re visiting my mom in a few days.
  • They’re going to be in the Bahamas next week.
  • What’re you planning on taking?

It’s important to remember not to end a sentence with a contracted is, am, or are.

Do you know where my dog’s?

Do you know where my dog is?

Yes, that’s what I’m.

Yes, that’s what I am.

I’m curious about where they’re.

I’m curious about where they are.


Writing Contractions With Other Auxiliary Verbs

There are other auxiliary verbs that can also be contracted: did, have, (including its conjugations has and had), as well as will and would (which are modals).

Did:

Did helps form questions and also expresses negative actions about the past. It can only be contracted with question words (not including when). You contract it by replacing the “di” in “did” with an apostrophe.

What’d you do when you returned?

Will:

Will has many different uses. It can be used to form future tenses, express ability or willingness, make requests, complete conditional sentences and more. It’s contracted by replacing the letters “wi” with an apostrophe.

They’ll arrive at the train station at 10 AM.

Would:

Would is the past-tense of will. However, it does not get contracted with question words. An apostrophe replaces the letters “woul–.”

She said I’d need more time.

Have:

Have forms the present perfect tense with any subject (except the third-person singular). It gets contracted by replacing “ha–” with an apostrophe.

We’ve been here before.

Has:

Has forms the present-perfect tense with third-person singular subjects. Use an apostrophe to replace the “ha–.”

It’s been fun.

Had:

Had forms the past perfect tense for all pronouns, but it does not get contracted with question words. Its contraction is formed by replacing “ha–” with an apostrophe.

He’d already finished all his work by the time I arrived.

Please note that in American English, have, has, and had do not get contracted when they are the main verbs.

I’ve a tournament tomorrow.

I have a tournament tomorrow.

However, in British English, this is acceptable, but more commonly heard in casual speech rather than formal writing.


Writing Contractions That Include “Not”

Up until now, you may have noticed that:

  • The verb to be commonly gets contracted with the subject of its clauses or with question words.
  • The other auxiliary verbs usually contract with personal pronouns or questions words (except has, which can also attach to people’s names).

The adverb “not” can also get contracted, but only with auxiliary verbs.

are + not = aren’t

is + not = isn’t

do + not = don’t

did + not = didn’t

does + not = doesn’t

have + not = haven’t

has + not = hasn’t

had + not = hadn’t

were + not = weren’t

was + not = wasn’t

Modal auxiliary verbs can also get contracted with “not.”

cannot = can’t

could + not = couldn’t

will + not = won’t

would + not = wouldn’t

should + not = shouldn’t

must + not = mustn’t

Shall and might can also get contracted with “not” to create shan’t and mightn’t, respectively, but these words are uncommon and outdated.

Additionally, am usually doesn’t get contracted with “not,” but there are some dialects that do (e.g., amn’t in Irish and Scottish English and ain’t which is sometimes used in American English).


Contractions: Problem Areas

Contractions can be a challenge at first, especially when it comes to remembering which letters to omit and where to place the apostrophe.

But some contractions cause even more confusion—for English language learners and native speakers alike—because they’re homophones.

Take for example it’s and its. Many people mistakenly add an apostrophe even though they want to show possession: in that case, use its.

Have you seen the new house? Its backyard is huge.

Similarly, they’re, there, and their also cause a lot of confusion as does let’s and lets.

Remember, only use they’re when you mean “they are.”

They’re going to love the surprise.

Let’s means “let us” while lets is how to conjugate the verb let for third-person singular subjects. However, be careful when using “let’s,” as it’s only used to express a request or suggestion.

Let’s go to the park.

If you’re using “let” meaning “give permission” or “to cause,” then use let us.

Is dad going to let’s go to the sleepover?

Is dad going to let us go to the sleepover?

Let’s know when you’re arriving.

Let us know when you’re arriving.


Don’t Get Discouraged With Contractions; There’s Help Available

As you can see, there’s a lot to remember regarding contractions. Familiarizing yourself with them if you haven’t already done so is a good idea, especially if you want to improve your fluency in speech and writing.

LanguageTool—a multilingual writing assistant—can ensure proper use of all contractions. Additionally, this advanced spelling and grammar checker can check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. It’s free and supports more than 30 languages. Give it a try!

We hope this blog helped you better understand contractions in English grammar and writing.

Did you correctly answer this quiz about contractions?

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