Contractions
Concept: Positive and Negative Contractions
Definition
- Contractions are the shorter form of words or group of letters that are usually formed by the omission of certain letters of the following word.
- The word ‘contract’ refers ‘to decrease in size’.
- In contraction, an apostrophe is used to show the letters that has been taken out from the word.
- Generally, we come across contractions that is followed by an auxiliary.
Examples:
Contractions for ‘wh’ Words
We will often come across contractions that are formed by combining ‘wh’ words with auxiliaries.
Examples:
Likewise, this can also apply with how, who, what.
Positive and Negative Contractions
- A negative contraction is a negative verb construction that ends in -'nt.
- A positive contraction is a verb construction that doesn’t include the ‘nt’ or ‘not’.
Examples:
Examples:
Why are Contractions Used?
- Contractions reduces a part of the word so that it saves space in writing and time while speaking.
- Hence, they make the speech sound lighter in nature.
- Another reason for using contractions is its usage while framing question tags.
Common Mistakes
- Avoid using contractions in academic and formal writing. Instead, try to write their full form in such places.
- Do not confuse between the words it’s and its. Many people find this tricky. Remember, ‘it’s’ is the contraction form of ‘it is’ and ‘its’ is a possessive pronoun.
Incorrect and Correct Usage:
