I'm

Meanings

1. 1phrase

   The usual spoken and informal written way of saying 'I am', joining the subject and the verb.

   Grammar: Always written with an apostrophe: I'm. It cannot be separated or stressed like 'I am'.

   Patterns

   • I'm + adjective
   • I'm + -ing verb
   • I'm + noun phrase

   I'm tired after the long trip.

   I'm making dinner right now, so I can't talk.

   I'm a teacher at the local school.

2. 2phrase

   Used before an adjective or noun to describe your present state, feelings, or situation.

   Grammar: Common in speech; in very formal writing use 'I am' instead.

   Patterns

   • I'm happy
   • I'm sorry
   • I'm from + place

   I'm happy to help you with that.

   I'm sorry for the confusion.

   I'm from Canada originally.

Common combinations

I'm afraid

I'm afraid I can't come to the meeting.

I'm not sure

I'm not sure where the station is.

I'm going to

I'm going to visit my parents this weekend.

I'm looking forward to

I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

I'm sorry

I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.

I'm just

I'm just checking my email.

Synonyms and how they differ

I am

The full form; use it in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the verb.

Word family

I pronoun

The singular pronoun used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself.

am verb

The first-person singular present form of 'be'.

Commonly confused: I'm or am?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “I'm”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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