9. Contracted Forms

 

When we speak, we use ‘contracted forms’ or short forms such as these: can’t (for can not or cannot) I’d (for I would or I had) she’s (for she is) Notice that contracted forms are also written with an apostrophe to show a shortening of the spelling of not, would, or is as in the above example. Writing a diary is like speaking to oneself. Plays (and often, novels) also have speech in written form. So we usually come across contracted forms in diaries, plays and novels.

 

1. Make a list of the contracted forms in the text. Rewrite them as full forms of two words. For example:

I’ve = I have

 

2. We have seen that some contracted forms can stand for two different full forms: I’d = I had or I would Find in the text the contracted forms that stand for two different full forms, and say what these are.

 

Wouldn't - would not

Can't - cannot

I'm - Iam

I'll - I will

Doesn't - Does not

They're - They are

It's - It is

He's - He is