B2nounlanguageeducation
US/kənˈtræk.ʃən/
UK/kənˈtræk.ʃən/
a shortened form of a word or phrase, with some letters left out, such as "can't"
In context
"Don't" is a contraction of "do not", and it is common in emails to colleagues.
Formal reports usually avoid contractions, so write "cannot" instead of "can't".
The teacher asked us to find every contraction in the announcement.
Words that go with contraction
verb + noun
- use a contractionNative speakers use a contraction almost every time they speak.
- avoid contractionsIn a cover letter, avoid contractions and keep the tone formal.
adjective + noun
- common contraction"I'm" is the most common contraction in everyday English.
- informal contraction"Gonna" is an informal contraction that you should not write in a report.
noun + preposition
- contraction of"We've" is a contraction of "we have".
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a contraction "dont"Correct: a contraction "don't"