Contractions in English

- September 26, 2025

Contractions in English

1. What are Contractions?

Definition: Contractions are shortened forms of words or groups of words where letters are left out and replaced with an apostrophe (’).
Purpose: They make language faster, smoother, and more natural in speaking and informal writing.

Example:

I am → I’m
Do not → Don’t
They will → They’ll

2. Why Do We Use Contractions?

To sound natural in conversation.
To save time and space in writing.
To make speech less formal and more friendly.
Without contraction: I cannot do this.
With contraction: I can’t do this.

3. Common Rules of Contractions

(A) With BE Verbs

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

Example: She’s my best friend.

(B) With NOT

is not → isn’t
are not → aren’t
was not → wasn’t
were not → weren’t
do not → don’t
does not → doesn’t
did not → didn’t
cannot → can’t
could not → couldn’t
will not → won’t (exception)
shall not → shan’t (less common)
must not → mustn’t

Example: They don’t like spicy food.

I will → I’ll
You will → You’ll
He will → He’ll
She will → She’ll
It will → It’ll
We will → We’ll
They will → They’ll

Example: We’ll meet tomorrow.

(D) With HAVE / HAS / HAD

I have → I’ve
You have → You’ve
We have → We’ve
They have → They’ve
He has → He’s
She has → She’s
It has → It’s
Had → ’d

Example: I’ve finished my homework.

(E) With WOULD / SHOULD / COULD

I would → I’d
You would → You’d
He would → He’d
She would → She’d
They would → They’d
It would → It’d

Example: She’d love to join us.

(F) With Other Common Words

let us → let’s
what is → what’s
who is → who’s
where is → where’s
when is → when’s
why is → why’s
how is → how’s
there is → there’s
here is → here’s

Example: Let’s go to the park.

4. Special Notes

Formal vs Informal Use:

Contractions are common in speech and informal writing (letters to friends, dialogues, stories).
Avoid them in formal writing (essays, reports, academic papers).

Double Contractions (rare, informal speech):

Examples: I’d’ve (I would have), he’ll’ve (he will have).

Used in spoken English, not in formal writing.

Homophones with Contractions (be careful):

it’s (it is / it has) vs its (possessive)

who’s (who is) vs whose (belonging to whom)

you’re (you are) vs your (possessive)

they’re (they are) vs their (possessive) vs there (place)

5. Examples in Sentences

I’m ready for the test.
They’ll arrive at 6 p.m.
We’ve been waiting for an hour.
Don’t open the window.
It’s raining outside.
Let’s watch a movie tonight.

6. Quick Reference Chart

Full Form - Contraction
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
Cannot - Can’t
Will not - Won’t
I will - I’ll
You have - You’ve
They had - They’d
Let us - Let’s
Who is - Who’s

(Note:-ain't: A contraction for "is not", "am not", "are not", "has not", or "have not" that is informal and considered non-standard in formal English.)

Summary: Contractions are shortened forms of words made with an apostrophe. They make English natural and easy to use in daily life, but should be avoided in formal writing.

Contractions Practice Worksheet

Part A: Fill in the blanks with the correct contraction.

1. I ___ (am) very happy today.
2. They ___ (are) going to the park.
3. She ___ (is) my best friend.
4. We ___ (have) already finished the homework.
5. You ___ (will) enjoy this movie.
6. He ___ (would) like some tea.
7. They ___ (had) gone before I arrived.
8. I ___ (cannot) believe this story.
9. It ___ (is) raining outside.
10. She ___ (has) bought a new dress.

Part B: Rewrite using contractions.

11. Do not shout in the class. → __________
12. We are waiting for the bus. → __________
13. He will play cricket tomorrow. → __________
14. I am learning English. → __________
15. They have done their homework. → __________

Part C: Choose the correct contraction.

16. (It’s / Its) my birthday today.
17. (You’re / Your) a very kind person.
18. (They’re / Their) going to visit us soon.
19. (Who’s / Whose) calling me now?
19. (We’re / Were) ready for the exam.

Part D: Challenge – Double Contractions (informal, spoken English)

20. I ___ (would have) helped you if I could.
21. She ___ (will have) reached home by now.

For Key Please Click Answer Button below. 👇

Part A, 1. I’m 2. They’re 3. She’s 4. We’ve 5. You’ll 6. He’d 7. They’d 8. Can’t 9. It’s 10. She’s Part B 11. Don’t shout in class. 12. We’re waiting for the bus. 13. He’ll play cricket tomorrow.14. I’m learning English.15. They’ve done their homework. Part C 16. It’s 17. You’re 18. They’re 19. Who’s 20. We’re Part D 21. I’d’ve 22. She’ll’ve

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