A “contraction” is a word that is made shorter when it is linked to the word that comes before it. For example, “she is nice.” is usually contracted to “she’s nice.” Contractions are a standard part of English speech and they’re used even in very formal situations. Using contractions is not considered sloppy or lazy speech. In fact, if you don’t use contractions, your speech will sound mechanical and foreign and might even give the impression that you are not very fluent in English. For example, you will hear people say, “I’m happy,” rather than “I am happy.” If you do hear “I am happy” it’s usually in response to an opposite statement or question, such as “I don’t think you’re happy.” If the response is “I am happy!” with stress on the word am, the meaning is “I really am happy.”

Another situation in which a contraction may not be used is when a speaker pauses in order to think of what to say next. For example: “I am… happy.”

Note: Do not use contractions in written language, unless the writing is informal.

Warning: Common Mistake

Don’t make up your own contractions. There are specific rules that native speakers follow for contracting words. Only use the ones that you hear native speakers say and the ones that you learn in this book.