Understanding contractions: A guide to usage and mastery

What is contraction?

A contraction is a shortened form of two words created by omitting letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. For example, "can't" combines "cannot" by dropping the "no" and adding an apostrophe, meaning "unable to." Similarly, "you're" merges "you" and "are" by removing the "a" and inserting an apostrophe, conveying "you are." Contractions like "she's" (she is/she has) or "they'll" (they will) follow the same pattern, streamlining speech and writing while retaining meaning.

Contractions vary in formality and structure. Standard contractions, such as "isn't" (is not) or "we've" (we have), are widely accepted. Informal contractions like "gonna" (going to) or "wanna" (want to) appear in casual speech but not formal writing. Regional differences also exist: "y'all" (you all) is common in the Southern U.S., while British English uses "shan't" (shall not). These are categorized by their components - pronouns with verbs ("I'm"), verbs with "not" ("don't"), or regional slang.

Some most common uses of contractions

Below are some most frequent used contractions.

"don't" (do not)

"can't" (cannot)

"I'm" (I am)

"you're" (you are)

"they've" (they have)

"we'll" (we will)

"isn't" (is not)

"it's" (it is/has)

"didn't" (did not)

"won't" (will not)

Formal contractions, such as "it's" (it is) or "they're" (they are), appear in semi-formal contexts like emails. Informal ones like "gimme" (give me) or "kinda" (kind of) suit casual chats. Regionally, "ain't" (am not/is not) is debated in the U.S. but used playfully in U.K. dialects. For instance, "y'all" in the U.S. addresses a group, whereas British "innit" (isn't it) tags questions, as in "Hot today, innit?"

When to use contractions

Contractions are used vastly in our everyday life. Regular people like natives tend to use them more than regular english schools use to teach them. They can be used in a variety of contexts and situations in English. Contractions thrive in everyday speech ("I'm tired"), informal writing ("We'll meet soon"), and creative dialogue ("She's here!"). They convey emotions efficiently, like frustration ("Can't you see?") or excitement ("It's happening!"). In formal settings like academic papers, avoid contractions: "The theory does not explain" instead of "doesn't."

Contraction should be avoided in situations where it could lead to confusion among the audience. Using "it's" (it is) instead of "its" (possession) errors: "The dog wagged it's tail" should be "its." Overusing informal contractions like "gonna" in resumes ("I gonna lead teams") seems unprofessional. Avoid double contractions ("shouldn't've") in writing, as they're unclear. Legal documents require precision: "will not" should be used instead of "won't."

How to evaluate my knowledge on contractions

Contractions can differ in complexity and usage based on a person's English level. Beginner English students may be introduced to simpler ones, such as "I'm going to the park", while intermediate and advanced learners may be exposed to more complex ones, like "I might've failed the test". Native speakers often have an intuitive understanding of words formation and can use most common ones effortlessly, while can have a hard time to guess the meaning or use them in their speech when come accross uncommon and more complex contractions. Non-native speakers may need more practice and study to fully master these expressions.

One simple way to check your current knowledge level of contraction is by testing your skills. Try out to guess what are the expressions on the sentences gaps below:

1. ______ late. (She is)

2. I ______ agree. (do not)

3. ______ ready. (They are)

4. ______ win. (We will)

5. He ______ called. (has not)

6. ______ love it. (You would)

7. ______ helped. (I would have)

8. ______ stay. (They would not)

9. ______ been years. (It is)

Sentences from 1 to 3 uses beginner level contractions. Their answers are: 1. She's; 2. don't; 3. They're. Sentences 4 to 6 are intermediate level, their answers are: 4. We'll; 5. hasn't; 6. You'd. Sentence 7 to 9 are advanced level, their answers are: 7. I'd've; 8. They wouldn't; 9. It's. Check how much you guessed right on each level and you will have a clue on how much you know and which is your current knowledge level on contraction. Of course this is a very simple test and it is very high biased. You should take a longer test, using a wide range of words formation to have a more accurate score.

Ways to improve my knowledge on contractions

There are many ways to improve your knowledge on contractions. You could practice them by rewriting sentences like "I am" as "I'm". You could be using flashcards for pairs like "they are/they're." While reading novels you will come across many contractions in dialogues. You should consider the purpose of your language use case and your current level on contraction. Search for lists of common used ones in the environment you need to be talking and using them, is it a business office? Is is a casual conversation? Prioritize words relevant to your life.

You could learn them by listening to podcasts, watching videos on youtube or reading online news focused on the audience you are looking to be part of. Focusing situations and audience will shrink the amount of common used contractions you have to learn. Don't be afraid on not kowing all of things you hear or read. Don't be afraid to ask or search online the meaning of new expressions. Ask natives: Clarify new words you hear in conversations. Stay curious: Note down unfamiliar words in a "expression diary." Finally, embrace mistakes: Misusing "Why would you hurt me when I'm just like you?" becomes a funny learning moment!"

Learninn is a great way to get in touch with contractions. Articles and videos hosted on our platform include most common contractions, if not all existent ones. Every content consumed on our platform is recorded and used in the future for your learning.