Contractions in English

Contractions are short ways of writing two words as one. For example, “don’t” is short for “do not”. They make sentences easier to read and sound more natural.

Contraction Examples

In English, contractions use an apostrophe to take the place of missing letters.

Here are some of the most common contractions.

They are → They’re
Can not → Can’t
I am → I’m
It is → It’s
Do not → Don’t
I have → I’ve
She is → She’s
Did not → Didn’t
There are → There’s
That is → That’s
They would → They’d
They will → They’ll
I would → I’d
I will → I’ll
Is not → Isn’t
Would not → Wouldn’t
He is → He’s
Will not → Won’t
Were not → Weren’t
We will → We’ll
Should not → Shouldn’t
I have → I’ve
They have → They’ve
You are → You’re
Had not → Hadn’t
Have not → Haven’t
Were not → Weren’t
Would not → Wouldn’t

Why Use Contractions

Contractions make sentences shorter and easier to read. For example, “do not” becomes “don’t”. They make writing sound friendly and casual.

Plus, they’re how we often talk in real life. So, using contractions can make your writing feel more natural and relatable.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Contractions

You might avoid contractions for a few reasons. First, in formal writing, like academic papers or business reports, contractions can seem too casual or informal. Contractions can make your writing sound less professional.

Second, when you’re writing for an international audience, it’s clearer to use full forms. This is because contractions might confuse readers who are not as familiar with English.

Use Contractions

Sounding friendly and casual with friends and peers.
Shortening phrases and being concise in conversation.
Adding fluidity and rhythm.

Don’t Use Contractions

Academic, legal & professional documents.
Full form of words can provide emphasis.
Adds clarity, especially for non-native speakers