contraction in writing

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A shortened form of two words joined with an apostrophe, such as 'don't' or 'she's'.

   Grammar: Countable: you can talk about one contraction or several contractions.

   Patterns

   • write a contraction
   • use contractions in something
   • a contraction of two words

   In informal writing, contractions like 'can't' and 'we'll' make the text sound more natural.

   My teacher circled every contraction in my essay and asked me to write the full forms.

   'It's' is a contraction of 'it is', but 'its' without an apostrophe is a possessive.

2. 2noununcountable

   The act of making a word or phrase shorter when you write or speak it.

   Grammar: Uncountable here: it names the process, not one example.

   Patterns

   • contraction in writing
   • contraction of a word

   Contraction in writing saves space, which is why it is common in notes and text messages.

   The contraction of 'cannot' to 'can't' is one of the most familiar examples in English.

3. 3nouncountablemedical

   A shortening of a muscle, especially the tight, painful kind felt during childbirth.

   Grammar: Usually countable and often plural in this medical sense: contractions.

   Patterns

   • have contractions
   • regular contractions

   The nurse timed her contractions and told her it was time to go to the hospital.

   Contractions become stronger and closer together as labor continues.

Word forms

Common combinations

use a contraction

You can use a contraction like 'I'm' when you write to a friend.

avoid contractions

Academic writing usually avoids contractions.

a contraction of two words

'We've' is a contraction of 'we have'.

muscle contractions

Regular muscle contractions keep the heart pumping.

Synonyms and how they differ

short form

A general term for any shortened version of a word; 'contraction' is the precise grammatical term when an apostrophe replaces missing letters.

abbreviation

An abbreviation shortens a word or phrase without an apostrophe (Dr., etc.), while a contraction keeps the missing letters marked by an apostrophe.

Opposites

Word family

contract verb

To make something smaller or shorter; also to become smaller.

contracted adjective

Made shorter, or written in a shortened form.

Commonly confused: contraction in writing or possession?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “contraction in writing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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