One challenging aspect of learning English is that there are different registers: we have spoken English and written English, formal English and informal English. Some words are okay in every register, but others are only okay in speech. Some only sound right in writing.
Contractions are a big part of distinguishing between these different forms of English. Let’s take a look at what contractions are and how they can make your English more or less formal.
What Are Contractions?
Contractions are words that combine two or more other words together into a new shortened version, usually using an apostrophe (‘). Contractions are very common in spoken English. You have probably heard some of these common contractions: I’m, can’t, aren’t, don’t, didn’t.
The apostrophe represents some letters that are missing from the longer form of the word. For instance, the apostrophe in didn’t is in place of the ‘O’ in did not, and the apostrophe in I’m is in the place of the ‘A’ in I am.
Be careful: not every word with an apostrophe is a contraction. Possessive nouns in English end with an apostrophe -s (e.g., Bob’s house, Carla’s mom), but these are genitives, not contractions.
Contractions originate in speech. We tend to be lazy when we speak English! When we speak quickly, we reduce certain sounds (making them shorter and quieter), and over time we elide them completely (we don’t pronounce them at all). So over time, she will becomes she’ll, I have becomes I’ve, and going to becomes gonna.
We frequently use contractions in normal spoken English, and you should try to use common contractions in your speech to make your English more fluent. We generally do not use any contractions in formal writing (such as academic papers or legal documents) or in extremely formal oral situations like speaking to a judge.
Not all contractions are the same. Some are more standard and acceptable than others. With the influence of Americans, online chat, WhatsApp, Zoom, and global media, we are using more contractions than ever, and even the most contracted forms are now standard in business meetings. It is just like dress codes.
Standard Contractions
Here is the core list of standard contractions you should use comfortably in professional and everyday spoken English:
- there’s
- wasn’t
- we’d (/wɪəd/)
- we’ll (/wɪəl/)
- we’re (/wɪə/)
- we’ve (/wi:v/)
- weren’t
- won’t
- wouldn’t
- you’d
- you’ll
- you’re
- he’s (/hi:z/)
- how’d
- how’s
- I’d (/aɪəd/)
- I’m (/aɪəm/)
- I’ve (/aɪəv/)
- isn’t (/ɪznt/)
- let’s
- she’d (/ʃɪəd/)
- she’ll (/ʃɪəl/)
- she’s (/ʃi:z/)
- shouldn’t
- aren’t
- can’t
- couldn’t
- didn’t
- doesn’t
- don’t
- hadn’t
- hasn’t
- haven’t
- he’d (/hɪəd/)
- he’ll (/hɪəl/)
- he’s (/hi:z/)
Non-Standard Contractions and Business Communication
There are other contractions that are non-standard. These have evolved more recently. While they haven’t become fully accepted in formal written English yet, they are everywhere in WhatsApp chats, Zoom calls, and everyday spoken English. Listen out for them in your business meetings.
If you are not using them by now, you may well sound:
- Like an English class text
- A bit stiff, formal, or distant
- Nervous or shy
- Not in control
- Not confident in general, in business, or in English
- Not fluid or fluent
- Not cool
None of which we want! Instead, we want to sound professional:
- Just like native speakers
- Relaxed, not too formal, approachable, friendly, and in touch with people
- Confident and outgoing
- In control
- Confident in general, in business, and in English
- Fluid and fluent
- Modern, cool, and up to date
1. Non-Standard Contractions Usable in Spoken Business English
- I’d’ve
- I’m’a
- must’ve
- there’re
- there’ve
- those’re
- wanna
- we’d’ve
- what’re
- who’d’ve
- why’d
2. Funky Non-Standard Contractions (Best for Modern/Creative Businesses)
- gimme *
- gonna *
- gotta *
- hafta *
- wanna *
- gotcha *
Note: This is not a complete list. People often get creative and invent their own contractions. Pay close attention during conversations to spot new ones!
Master Your Executive Fluency with Edward Olive
Knowing the theory behind contractions is a great foundation, but integrating relaxed pronunciation naturally requires specialized ear-training and real-time correction.
As Edward Olive, a specialist in pronunciation coaching, British Received Pronunciation (RP), and executive communication in Madrid and online worldwide, I help you transform your English delivery so it sounds flawless, modern, persuasive, and carries absolute authority.
Want to speak English with the natural ease and confidence of an executive-level native speaker?
Transform your communication with in-person training sessions in Madrid or personalized online coaching designed for leaders.