Contractions are a natural feature of speaking and writing. We create them by condensing a single word, or by combining two words, into a shortened version that retains the same meaning and function, but conveys a level of informality. Mastering contractions will help you communicate better and enhance your creative voice.
CREATING CONTRACTIONS
Most common contractions are created by mashing two words together, removing specific letters, and replacing those letters with an apostrophe. For example, here is a three-step process to create the contraction “isn’t”:
Step One: is + not = isnot
Step Two: isnot – o = isnt
Step Three: isnt + ’ = isn’t
Combine ‘is’ with ‘not.’ Remove the ‘o.’ Replaced it with an apostrophe. The result is the contraction “isn’t.”
When creating most common contractions, the general rule is to Combine, Remove, and Replace. Here is a short list of other common contractions:
Do not = don’t
Did not = didn’t
I am = I’m
Could not = couldn’t
We have = we’ve
We are = we’re
We will = we’ll
Where is = where’s
Should not = shouldn’t
Would not = wouldn’t
Were not = weren’t
It is = it’s
You are = you’re
They are = they’re
There is = there’s
Here is = here’s
Some contractions are created by shortening single words. Here are two examples of common single-word contractions:
Cannot = can’t
Madame = ma’am
GRAMMAR
Grammar rules remain in effect when you are using contractions. For instance, the rules of ‘subject and verb agreement’ and ‘possession’ must still be observed. Here are two examples of common grammar errors that occur when contractions are used.
Subject / Verb Agreement
Turning two words into a contraction does not change the meaning of the words. For instance, “they’re” functions as plural because it combines the words “they are.” Replacing “they’re” or “they are” with the words “they is” or “they’s” would be grammatically incorrect because “is” is singular and “they” is plural.
As another example, “I’s” is not correct because it combines “I” with “is.” The correct contraction is “I’m,” which combines “I” with “am.”
Possession
Contractions may sound similar or identical to other words when you say them, but they do not share the same meaning. One common misconception is that “your” can replace “you’re.”
“Your” and “you’re” are not interchangeable, even if they sound identical when you say them. “Your” indicates possession, while “you’re” is a contraction for “you are.” Here are two examples to help you visualize the difference between “your” and “you’re.”
“I really like your dog.” - Correct
This example is grammatically correct because “your” indicates possession of the dog.
“I really like you’re dog.” - Incorrect
This example is grammatically incorrect because “you’re” is the contraction of “you are.” Thus, this example technically reads as “I really like you are dog,” which is an odd bit of nonsense.
FORMAL vs CASUAL VOICE
Traditionally, contractions are considered informal or casual speech and should not be used in formal writing. Exceptions to this guideline include direct quotations, professional emails, and works of creative nonfiction, such as memoirs. Avoid using contractions in academic writing and official or professional correspondence, like presentations, proposals, memos, and formal letters.
Including contractions in your creative work can set tone and voice, help develop characters, and smooth awkward dialogue. Remember, contractions are frequently used in everyday speech. Adding them to your creative work may help your dialogue sound more natural.
CONCLUSION
We hope this quick guide helps you understand when and how to use contractions. If you would like someone to edit your work for proper use of contractions — we do that! Click the contact button below for more information.
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