Contraction (grammar) facts for kids
A contraction is a shorter way to say or write a word or a group of words. It's made by leaving out some letters and sounds from the middle of the original words. For example, "do not" becomes "don't," and "I am" becomes "I'm." Contractions are very common in everyday speech and informal writing.
Contents
What are Contractions?
Contractions combine two words into one shorter word. An apostrophe () is used to show where letters have been removed. This makes speaking and writing faster and more natural.
Common English Contractions
Many contractions are used every day in English. They often involve verbs like "be," "have," "do," "will," and "would," combined with pronouns or the word "not."
Contractions with 'not'
When "not" is combined with a verb, it usually forms a contraction.
- "is not" becomes "isn't"
- "are not" becomes "aren't"
- "do not" becomes "don't"
- "does not" becomes "doesn't"
- "did not" becomes "didn't"
- "cannot" becomes "can't"
- "could not" becomes "couldn't"
- "would not" becomes "wouldn't"
- "should not" becomes "shouldn't"
- "has not" becomes "hasn't"
- "have not" becomes "haven't"
- "had not" becomes "hadn't"
Contractions with 'is', 'are', 'has', 'have', 'had', 'will', 'would'
These verbs often combine with pronouns or nouns.
- "I am" becomes "I'm"
- "you are" becomes "you're"
- "he is" or "he has" becomes "he's"
- "she is" or "she has" becomes "she's"
- "it is" or "it has" becomes "it's"
- "we are" becomes "we're"
- "they are" becomes "they're"
- "I will" becomes "I'll"
- "you will" becomes "you'll"
- "he will" becomes "he'll"
- "she will" becomes "she'll"
- "it will" becomes "it'll"
- "we will" becomes "we'll"
- "they will" becomes "they'll"
- "I would" or "I had" becomes "I'd"
- "you would" or "you had" becomes "you'd"
Why Do We Use Contractions?
People use contractions for several reasons:
- Efficiency: They make sentences shorter and quicker to say or write.
- Informality: They make language sound more relaxed and natural, like how people talk in everyday conversations.
- Rhythm: In speech, contractions can help sentences flow better.
When to Use and Avoid Contractions
Knowing when to use contractions is important for clear communication.
Informal vs. Formal Writing
Contractions are great for informal writing, like:
- Text messages
- Emails to friends
- Personal letters
- Creative writing (stories, poems)
- Dialogue in books
However, it's usually best to avoid contractions in formal writing, such as:
- School essays and reports
- Research papers
- Business letters
- Official documents
- News articles
In formal settings, using the full words shows a more serious and professional tone.
Contractions vs. Possessives
Sometimes, contractions can look similar to possessive words (words that show ownership). This can be confusing.
- It's is a contraction for "it is" or "it has."
* Example: "It's a sunny day." (It is a sunny day.)
- Its shows ownership, meaning "belonging to it."
* Example: "The dog wagged its tail." (The tail belonging to the dog.)
- You're is a contraction for "you are."
* Example: "You're a great student." (You are a great student.)
- Your shows ownership, meaning "belonging to you."
* Example: "Is this your book?" (The book belonging to you.)
- They're is a contraction for "they are."
* Example: "They're going to the park." (They are going to the park.)
- Their shows ownership, meaning "belonging to them."
* Example: "That is their house." (The house belonging to them.)
- There refers to a place or is used to introduce a sentence.
* Example: "The book is over there." or "There are many stars tonight."
Understanding the difference between these words helps you write more clearly and correctly.
Images for kids
-
A robot thinking about grammar.
See also
