Contractions
5 lessons about contractions in English, explained in Spanish. Practice with exercises and download worksheets.
- A1Grammar 12 min
Verb to be: negative contractions
Isn't, aren't, and I'm not: the two short forms of the negative of to be, why amn't is not used, and how they differ from don't.
View lesson - A1Grammar 12 min
Verb to be: contractions
I'm, you're, he's, she's, it's, we're, and they're: how to form them, how they sound, and how not to mix up you're and your. With exercises.
View lesson - A1Grammar 12 min
Don't and doesn't contractions
Don't and doesn't are short for do not and does not. Where the apostrophe goes, how they sound, short answers, and when to use the long form.
View lesson - A1Grammar 13 min
Would like
Would like to ask and offer politely: I'd like a coffee, Would you like some tea? With a thing or with to + verb, plus exercises.
View lesson - A1Grammar 13 min
Have got
Have got means have: I've got, she's got. The negative haven't got, the question Have you got...?, and the answer Yes, I have. With exercises.
View lesson
What is Contractions?
Contractions join two words into one and replace letters with an apostrophe: I am becomes I'm, does not becomes doesn't, they will becomes they'll. They are used mainly in speech and informal writing. Understanding them is key to understanding real English.
When to use it
Use them in conversations, messages, informal emails and dialogues. In very formal writing (contracts, academic essays) full forms are preferred.
Common mistakes and tips for Spanish speakers
- 's can mean is or has, or be a possessive: "She's tired" (is), "She's finished" (has), "Ana's bag" (possessive). Context decides.
- Won't is the contraction of will not, and can't is cannot. They are irregular and worth learning separately.
- Affirmative short answers are not contracted: "Yes, I am", never "Yes, I'm".
Examples
I'm tired, but I can't sleep.
Estoy cansado, pero no puedo dormir.
She doesn't know where it is.
Ella no sabe dónde está.
They'll arrive at six.
Llegarán a las seis.
We haven't seen him.
No lo hemos visto.