Pronoun Verb Contraction – Concept and Its Types

Contractions are short forms of two words which are combined together. When combined together, these words omit certain letters or sounds.  

An apostrophe (‘) is placed where the letters are omitted. 

For example: did not = didn’t, I am = I’m, Let us = let’s 

Here, “o” is omitted and apostrophe is added in its place. 

In “I am”, “a” is omitted and an apostrophe is added to form I’m. 

Contractions combine a pronoun or noun and a verb, or, a verb and not. The most common contractions are formed by combining verbs, auxiliaries or modals with other words. 

Contractions can also occur after nouns, names, here, there, now and question words. 

Pronoun – verb contractions 

Pronoun verb contractions are formed by combining a pronoun and a verb together. Here, an apostrophe is used instead of the omitted letters. One or more letters are removed from the words when they are joined. 

• Some contractions omit the first letter of the second word(verb). 

For example: 

I am = I’m (Here, “a” is replaced by an apostrophe.) 

• Some contractions omit the first two letters of the second word(verb). 

I will = I’ll 

Contractions and possessive pronouns 

Contractions can be confused with possessive pronouns as they are pronounced in a similar way. Contractions use apostrophe whereas possessive pronouns do not. 

Your and you’re 

Your is the possessive pronoun for you. 

For example: Your bag is in the classroom. 

You’re is the contraction of you are. 

For example: You’re a smart boy. 

Its and it’s 

Its, is the possessive pronoun for it. 

For example: John has a puppy. Its name is Xylo. 

It’s, is the contraction of it is. 

For example: It’s very cool here. 

Their, there and they’re 

Their is the possessive pronoun for they. 

For example: Their teacher is on leave today. 

They’re is the contraction of they are. 

For example: There are going on a trip tomorrow. 

There shows the location of something. 

For example: The church is over there.