How to Use Contractions: Rules and Examples

In grammatical terms, a contraction is a shortened form of two combined words (such as can +not = can’t).

We use contractions regularly in conversation and in casual writing. Most contractions use an apostrophe to indicate that some letters from one or both of the original words are missing.

Function of Contractions in Grammar

We use contractions for several reasons:

1. They save time and space.

Because contractions remove letters from words and squeeze them together, they save space on the written page (or screen). In conversation, they also allow you to say one word instead of two, which saves time and effort.

2. Contractions indicate a casual tone.

Formal academic works like essays, term papers, research papers, or other forms of business writing typically refrain from using contractions.

In contrast, more casual writing, like blog posts and opinion pieces, tend to use more contractions, which make them sound more personal and conversational.

Additionally, using contractions in fiction helps to portray the time period of a given story. For example, more dated stories tend to use the contraction “’Tis” for “It is” instead of the more contemporary “It’s.”

What Are Some Examples of Contractions?

Here is a list of some of the most common contractions used in everyday conversation and writing:

1. Contractions that remove a letter and replace it with an apostrophe

2. Contractions using the word “not”

The word “not” is commonly contracted as –n’t, as seen below:

Some contractions with “not” replace more than just the ‘o,’ such as the following:

One thing to remember about contracting words with “not” in question form is that you have to move “not” to join the verb, as follows:

Not contracted: Did I not tell you?
Incorrect: Did In’t tell you?
Correct: Didn’t I tell you

Not contracted: Have you not talked to him?
Incorrect: Have youn’t talked to him?
Correct: Haven’t you talked to him?

3. Contractions used in poetic language

Some contractions have also changed their form over the years. Many of these were used widely until the middle of the 19th century, and since then, only in poetic works.

In addition, we also have some words that we normally see contracted in poetry or song lyrics, particularly hymns, or other old songs and Christmas carols:

4. Multiple contractions

Sometimes, we can make multiple contractions, which normally look strange in writing or in print. But in conversation, they are fairly common, such as:

• I would have = I’d’ve or I’d’a

Example sentence: If you’d told me your plans, I’d’ve told you it wasn’t going to work.

• Would not have = wouldn’t’ve

Example sentence: I wouldn’t’ve told him if I were you.

5. Contractions used in informal language

Other contractions change their entire form, and used mainly in speech or very casual writing, such as:

• going to = gonna
• want to = wanna

6. Contractions that compress or truncate a word

Some contractions are compressed versions of their full words, and usually do not use an apostrophe. Here are some examples:

Contractions Quiz

To test your knowledge about contractions, take this free Contractions Quiz PDF. Rewrite the sentence using the correct contraction or contractions:

1. She does not know French.
2. Alfie will not go to the party.
3. The man is all crazy!
4. The delivery guy would not have caught up with her if she had left on time.
5. Did I not tell you not to touch anything in this room?
6. The email was not sent.
7. I do not think that is a wise decision.
8. You must not think it is a burden.
9. Why can you not remember important dates like our anniversary?
10. Her baby cannot walk yet.

Answer Key

1. She doesn’t know French.
2. Alfie won’t go to the party.
3. The man’s all crazy!
4. The delivery guy wouldn’t have caught up with her if she’d left on time. OR The delivery guy wouldn’t’ve caught up with her if she’d left on time.
5. Didn’t I tell you not to touch anything in this room?
6. The email wasn’t sent.
7. I don’t think that’s a wise decision.
8. You mustn’t think it’s a burden.
9. Why can’t you remember important dates like our anniversary?
10. Her baby can’t walk yet.

When to Use Contractions

A good rule of thumb when using contractions is first to determine the formality of your piece, whether written or spoken. For very formal writing, refrain from using contractions; but for more casual, conversational pieces, you can use contractions.

In addition, determine which type of contractions match the kind of material you are writing. For a poem, hymn, or song lyrics, you can use the poetic contractions, but for other writings such as an opinion piece, a story, or a blog, you may want to use the contractions suitable for contemporary writing.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• The Most Important Basic Grammar Rules to Know
• To or Too: Grammar Explained
• Which or That? Grammar Explained
• The 10 Most Common Grammar Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.