What are contractions?
A contraction is a shorter way to say two or more words by joining them with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
Common examples
- I am → I'm
- you are → you're
- he is → he's
- she is → she's
- it is → it's
- we are → we're
- they are → they're
- do not → don't
- would not → wouldn't
- cannot → can't
How to form contractions
- Choose the two words you want to combine.
- Use an apostrophe (') to replace the missing letters.
- Place the apostrophe in the correct place to show the missing letters.
Guidelines for using contractions
- Contractions are common in informal writing and speech (like emails to friends or talking).
- In formal writing (like essays or reports), many teachers prefer not to use contractions.
- Make sure the sentence still makes sense when you read it aloud with the contraction.
Practice tips
- Write a short paragraph and try replacing some words with contractions.
- Read sentences aloud to hear where contractions sound natural.
- Keep a mini list of the most common contractions and their expanded forms for reference.
Quick practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct contraction:
- I ___ going to the park. (am → I'm)
- That ___ not my book. (is not → isn't)
- We ___ finished our homework. (have → we've)