Contractions In Grammar: Types, Examples, List & Exercises! Are you familiar with contractions in grammar? A contraction is a shortened form of two words, typically used in writing and speech. In this blog post, we will provide a chart of the most common contractions, followed by a list of exercises to help you practice using contractions correctly. We hope you find this information helpful!
Table of Contents
What are Contractions in English?
A grammar contraction is a shortened form of a word or phrase. It is most commonly used in written English, in order to save space or time. For example, the phrase “I am” can be contracted to “I’m”. In spoken English, contractions are often used to avoid awkward pauses or to convey emotion. The use of contractions is typically considered informal and should be avoided in formal writing.
However, in recent years there has been a growing trend toward the use of contractions in all forms of writing, including academic and business writing. While this trend is still relatively new, it is likely that contractions will become more widely accepted in the years to come.
What are the Most Common Contractions?
Here is the list of some most common contractions in English;
- I’m = I am
- You’re = You are
- He’s = He is
- She’s = She is
- It’s = It is
- We’re = We are
- They’re = They are
- Can’t = Cannot
- Could’ve = Could have
- Didn’t = Did not
- Doesn’t = Does not
- Don’t = Do not
- Hadn’t = Had not
- Hasn’t= Has not
- Haven’t= Have not
- Isn’t= Is not
- Let’s = Let us
- Mustn’t= Must not
- Shan’t = Shall not
- Should’ve= Should have
- Wasn’t = Was not
- We’ve = We have
- Would’ve= Would have
- You’d= You had
- You’ll= You will
- You’ve = You have
Notice that many of these contractions are simply the shortened form of a verb + pronoun. For example, “you are” can be contracted to “you’re”. Other contractions, such as “could have” and “would have”, are called modal contractions. Modal contractions are used to express ability, possibility, or likelihood.
4 Types of Contractions In English Grammar
1- Weak Contractions:
Weak contractions are the most common type of contraction and involve joining two words together without changing the spelling. Examples include “can’t,” “won’t,” and “shouldn’t.”
2-Strong Contractions:
Strong contractions can be used in informal settings and involve changing the spelling of one or both words that have been joined together.
Examples include “gonna,” “wanna,” and “lemme.”
3-Contractions with Not:
Contractions with not involve joining the words ‘not’ and another word together to form one word.
Examples include ‘aren’t,’ ‘isn’t,’ and ‘doesn’t.’
4-Mixed Contractions:
Mixed contractions are a combination of weak and strong contractions, where the spelling of one word has been changed while the other remains unchanged.
Examples include “could’ve,” “shouldn’t’ve,” and “wouldn’t’ve.”
Contraction Chart
| Word | Contraction |
| She is | She’s |
| Did not | Didn’t |
| I will | I’II |
| Does not | Doesn’t |
| Is not | Isn’t |
| It will | It’ll |
| He is | He’s |
| Had not | Hadn’t |
| I am | I’m |
| Have not | Haven’t |
| Cannot | Can’t |
| She has | She’s |
| It has | It’s |
| He will | He’ll |
| Here is | Here’s |
| I had | I’d |
| She would | She’d |
| He has | He’s |
| I have | I’ve |
| It has | It’s |
| She will | She’ll |
| Must not | Mustn’t |
| I would | I’d |
| He would | He’d |
| Do not | Don’t |
| Could not | Couldn’t |
| Are not | Aren’t |
| It is | It’s |
| Word | Contraction |
| You will | You’ll |
| There is | There’s |
| Were not | Weren’t |
| They have | They’ve |
| Who is | Who’s |
| You are | You’re |
| They had | They’d |
| They will | They’ll |
| We would | We’d |
| They would | They’d |
| Should not | Shouldn’t |
| You would | You’d |
| Would not | Wouldn’t |
| We are | We’re |
| We will | We’ll |
| Where is | Where’s |
| Was not | Wasn’t |
| We had | We’d |
| Will not | Won’t |
| You had | You’d |
| You have | You’ve |
| What is | What’s |
| We have | We’ve |
| They are | They’re |
| That is | That’s |
| She had | She’d |
| Who will | Who’ll |
Contraction in Example Sentences
1- I’m going to the store.
2- You’re a very special person.
3- He’s taller than me.
4- She’s got a new car. It’s very nice.
5- We’re going on vacation next week.
6- They’re moving to a new house.
7- I can’t come to the party tonight.
8- I could’ve gone to the party, but I didn’t want to.
9- He didn’t see the sign.
10- The doesn’t like cats.
11- You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.
12- I hadn’t thought about that before.
11- If he hasn’t called by now, he’s not going to call.
14- Hasn’t she finished her homework yet?
15- I haven’t seen him in years.
16- This soup isn’t very good.
17- Let’s go for a walk.
18- You mustn’t worry so much.
19- She shan’t go to the party if she doesn’t want to.
20- I should’ve known better than to trust him.
21- It wasn’t my fault.
22- We’ve been friends for a long time.
23- I would’ve gone to the party if you had asked me to.
How to Use Contractions in Grammar?
Now that you know what contractions are and what the most common contractions are, it’s time to learn how to use them correctly. Here are some tips:
When using contractions in writing, be sure to use them consistently. For example, if you write “I’m” in one sentence, be sure to use “I’m” throughout the piece of writing. Do not mix contractions with their full forms (e.g., “I am going to the store” vs. “I’m going to the store”).
In general, contractions should only be used in informal writing. In formal writing, such as academic essays or business reports, it is best to avoid contractions altogether.
If you are unsure whether or not to use a contraction in a particular sentence, try reading the sentence aloud. If the contraction sounds natural, then it is probably fine to use. If the contraction feels awkward or out of place, it is probably best to avoid it.
Contractions Exercises
Now that you know all about contractions in grammar, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! See if you can correctly identify the following contractions:
- We will be there soon.
- I am so hungry!
- She is going to the store.
- They are my friends.
- We are going to the movies tonight.
- I cannot find my phone.
- He is taller than she is.
- I think it is raining.
- They have arrived.
- It is time to go.
Answers:
- We’ll be there soon.
- I’m so hungry!
- She’s going to the store.
- They’re my friends.
- We’re going to the movies tonight.
- I can’t find my phone.
- He’s taller than she is
- I think it’s raining
- They’ve arrived
- It’s time to go.”
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