Verb To Be Contractions Basic Exercises

Contractions are short forms of the verb to be. They make everyday English sound natural and quick. In positive present sentences, I am becomes I'm, you are becomes you're, he is becomes he's, she is becomes she's, it is becomes it's, we are becomes we're, and they are becomes they're. The meaning is the same as the full form.

Use contractions in speaking, messages, informal emails, and friendly writing. Full forms are useful when you want to be very clear or formal. The apostrophe shows that letters are missing: I'm means I am, and they're means they are. Be careful with words that sound the same. You're means you are, but your shows possession. They're means they are, but their shows possession. Learning the full form beside the contraction helps spelling, listening, and clear beginner writing. It also makes short dialogues and message-style sentences easier to read aloud.