Contractions are used when speaking and when writing in casual situations. In formal writing, they should be avoided. In formal writing, unusual phrasal verbs as well as idiomatic expressions should also be avoided.
Contractions of Question words are normally only used when speaking or quoting what was said, for example, a dialogue in a novel.
Informal contractions should only be used when speaking in very casual situations.
Contractions of Question words are normally only used when speaking or quoting what was said, for example, a dialogue in a novel.
Informal contractions should only be used when speaking in very casual situations.
Common informal contractions
am not, is not, are not --> ain't
bet you --> betcha
don't you --> dontcha
give me --> gimme
going to --> gonna
got (have) --> gotta
kind of ---> kinda
let me --> lemme
ought to --> oughta
sort of --> sorta
want to --> wanna
what are you --> whatcha
Informal contractions are contractions that break grammar rules and are only used in very casual speech. Two or even three words could be merged. An apostrophe is often not used.
This page is one of PLS's English grammar pages for people who want to learn or improve their English grammar skills.
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