Contractions
Contractions is a term used to explain when two words or more have been shortened into one word. This is done by using an apostrophe which replaces the letter or letters which are no longer needed. It is common in spoken English and often seen in an informal way in written text or books. It is not recommended for professional uses such as in a resume or applying for work. Here is a quick example;
i did not = i didn’t (contraction)
LONG FORM SHORT FORM
I am I’m
I have I’ve
I will / I shall I’ll
I would I’d
You are You’re
You have You’ve
You will You’ll
He is He’s
He will He’ll
I’m taking surf lessons on a beach in Bali. I’m surfing the internet.
I’ve saved enough money to take a holiday in Spain.
I’ll probably take the metro to work as my car is at the repair shop.
I’d be surprised if she marries him.
You’re the best teacher in my school.
You’ve a healthy rosy complexion.
You’ll pass these exams if you study with enough passion.
He’s a great chef.
He’ll make a good stable husband.
LONG FORM SHORT FORM
She is She’s
She will She’ll
It is It’s
It will It’ll
We are We’re
We will We’ll
They are They’re
They have They’ve
They will They’ll
She’s the brightest girl in school.
She’ll probably study medicine one day.
It’s a very large cheese cake.
We’re happy to see you again.
We’ll arrive at the birthday party at six o’clock.
They’re walking to school in the snow.
They’ve many years experience in fashion design.
They’ll call us next week.
LONG FORM SHORT FORM
How is How’s
Who is Who’s
Who would Who’d
Who will Who’ll
Here is Here’s
There is There’s
That is That’s
How’s life my friend?
Who’s going to the concert tonight?
Who’d like extra potatoes?
Who’ll help me with the garden today?
Here’s the receipt you asked for.
There’s a wonderful smell when i enter the chocolate shop.
That’s the way i like my breakfast, toast and marmalade and coffee.
LONG FORM SHORT FORM
There will There’ll
That will That’ll
What will What’ll
What is What’s
When is When’s
Where is Where’s
There’ll be many antique cars at the exhibition next week.
That’ll never pass quality control. The furniture is poorly constructed.
What’ll you do at the weekend?
Excuse me. What’s the quickest route to the hospital?
When’s the next world cup?
Where’s those new trousers i brought last week?
Negative Contractions
LONG FORM SHORT FORM
Are not Aren’t
Cannot Can’t
Could not Couldn’t
Could have Could’ve
Did not Didn’t
Does not Doesn’t
Do not Don’t
Has not Hasn’t
Have not Haven’t
Aren’t you a friend of my cousin?
Why can’t i have a new bike for Christmas?
I couldn’t get to the shops on time.
We could’ve walked to the park. It is only a mile.
She didn’t ask her father for extra money after all.
He doesn’t understand mathematics very well.
You don’t have to go to the dentist today. Next month is fine.
It hasn’t been a good day for a walk because of heavy rain.
We haven’t had a holiday in nearly three years.
LONG FORM SHORT FORM
Had not Hadn’t
Shall not Shan’t
Should not Shouldn’t
Might not Mightn’t
Must not Mustn’t
Will not Won’t
Would not Wouldn’t
Were not Weren’t
Is not Isn’t
They hadn’t paid the rent and the landlord wanted the money.
We shan’t be moved, the protesters said.
He shouldn’t date the girl from next door.
I mightn’t be able to meet you tonight.
We mustn’t fail the exams.
They won’t buy the green apples because the red ones are fresher.
I wouldn’t trust that person.
If it weren’t for my dog i would be lonely.
It isn’t right to cheat people and steal from them.
