What are contractions?
I’m, We’ll, I don’t, She didn’t, They aren’t, You shouldn’t and We haven’t are all examples of contractions.
In full, the above examples are: I am, We will, I do not, She did not, They are not, You should not and We have not.
When can I use contractions?
In both formal and informal spoken English, contractions are perfectly acceptable.
They can also be used in informal written communication (for example: an email to a colleague or client that you have an informal rapport with).
In formal written English, contractions are not normally used. Examples of formal written communication are: letters, reports, articles, promotion material and so on.
Examples of contractions:
I’m afraid we can’t meet today as we haven’t got the time.
We’ll have plenty of time tomorrow though!
Yesterday, our clients weren’t very impressed with us. We didn’t do a great job.