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A contraction is when two words are made into one, using an apostrophe. For instance, when you say "isn't" instead of "is not." The word "isn't" is a contraction, or shortening, of the words "is" and "not." They don't look a lot shorter in writing, but contractions usually develop in spoken English before they are written. People started saying "isn't" instead of "is not" because it is faster to say. That happens in a lot of languages, and with a lot of words. People start saying them all together, and eventually they become a real word.
A contraction is when you combine words using an apostrophe. Do and not becomes don't. I and am becomes I'm. These are contractions.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA contraction is a way to get written language to catch up with spoken language. Contractions existed first in spoken English. Some word groups become shortened because it is easier to say them in a shortened form. He is not the teacher becomes he isn't the teacher. Isn't is a contraction. She won't come in for dinner contains the contraction won't, which despite the odd spelling is a contraction of will not. Others are I'm for I am, I'll for I will, I've for I have, and I'dfor I had or I would (I'd better leave is I had better leave; I'd pay if I had the money is I would pay.) It's can mean it is as in it's time to go, or it has, as in it's been a long time since we've seen each other. There are many others. See link for more.
Jemsidee Jentzen
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago1. contract tighten or draw together
2. contract a piece of paper to sign
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoWhile giving birth my contractions lasted 10 minutes at a time!
The muscle spasm caused a contraction in my arm.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe verb form for the noun contraction is contract. Example use:
Wood will contract over time, which is why chair rungs eventually become loose.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoI think you mean contractions. A contraction is two words put together to make one word. Some examples are
can + not= can't
Will + not = won't
Should + have = should've
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoI'll (I will) show some contractions.
He'd (He would) rather not study contractions.
They're (Contractions are) fun to use once you understand them.
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoExamples of two contractions in English is: I'm for I am, I've for I have.
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Is weren't a noun or verb?
The word "weren't" is a contraction consisting of the verb "were" and the adverb"not".The contraction "weren't" functions as a verb or an auxiliary verb in a sentence.Examples: We were not expected. OR: We weren't expected.
Is shouldn't a verb or noun?
The word doesn't is a contraction, a shortened form for the verb 'does' and the adverb 'not'.The contraction functions as a verb or an auxiliary verb in a sentence, for example:"He does not like broccoli." Or, "He doesn't like broccoli."
Is you're a noun or verb?
The word "you're" is a contraction, a shortened form of the pronoun "you" and the verb (or auxiliary verb) "are".Example:You are invited to my party.You're invited to my party.
Is the word theres a word?
No, the word is there's, a contraction and must have the apostrophe to be correct.The contraction there's is a shortened form of the pronoun 'there' and the verb 'is'.Example: There is more sugar in the cupboard. Or: There's more sugar in the cupboard.
What does the word who's mean?
The word "who's" is a contraction, a shortened form of the pronoun "who" and the verb "is".Example:Who is invited to the party? Or: Who'sinvited to the party?
Is could've a contraction pronoun?
No, the word "could've" is a verb contraction; a shortened form of "could have".
Is the word what've verb or noun?
The word what've is a contraction, a shortened form for 'what have', an pronoun and a verb. The contraction performs as an auxiliary verb, for example 'what've you been doing...' (you have been doing what).
Is carrying a contraction?
No, it is not. It is the present participle of the verb to carry. It can be a verb, or adjective, or noun. A contraction is a combined word form that uses an apostrophe.
Is the word weren't a verb or pronoun?
The word weren't is a contraction,a short form for the verb 'were' and the adverb 'not'.The contraction were'n't functions as a verb or an auxiliary verb in a sentence.Examples:We were not expecting company.Or: We weren't expecting company.
Is the word doesn't a verb?
Yes, the word doesn't is a contraction, a shortened form for the verb 'does' and the adverb 'not'. The contraction functions as a verb or an auxiliary verb in a sentence, for example:"He does not like broccoli." Or, "He doesn't like broccoli."
Is the word doesn't a verb or a noun?
The word doesn't is a contraction, a shortened form for the verb 'does' and the adverb 'not'. The contraction doesn't functions as a verb or an auxiliary verb in a sentence. Examples:He does not like broccoli. Or, He doesn't like broccoli.
Is shouldn't a word?
Yes, the word shouldn't is a contraction, a shortened form of the verb 'should' and the adverb 'not'. The contraction shouldn't functions as a verb or auxiliary verb in a sentence.Example:We should not be late.Or:We shouldn't be late.
Is the word what've a verb or a noun?
What've is the short form/contraction of what have.what = pronounhave = verb
Is were a contraction?
Not unless it has an apostrophe in the middle.The word were is a past tense form of the verb "to be" (we were, you were, they were).The apostrophe form we're (pronounced weer) is a contraction of "we are."
Is they've a verb or a noun?
The word they've is a contraction, a combined form for the pronoun 'they' and the verb 'have' (they have). The contraction is used as the subject and verb or auxiliary verb for a sentence. Example:They have moved to Miami. or They've moved to Miami.
Is the word hadn't a verb or noun?
The word "hadn't" is a contraction of "had not," and "had" is a verb. Therefore, "hadn't" is also a verb.
Is doesn't an adverb?
No, it isn't. The word doesn't is a contraction of the verb form "does not" where does is a helper verb and not is an adverb of negation.
