First off, what's a contraction? How many people noticed I used one in that last sentence? Can you figure out which one it is?

I'll just tell you. (Wow, I've used another! And another!) Contractions are commonly used in the English language. They're a way to shorten two words into one. Sometimes they're used to make a two-syllable word into a one-syllable word. This is something Shakespeare did a lot.

Examples of contractions:
- I'm
- We're
- They're
- I'll
- I've

The rule is fairly simple. Use an apostrophe (') between the two words. "I'm" shortens "I" and "am".

You must use an apostrophe, however, when using a contraction. "Im" isn't a word, unless you're talking about IM, or Instant Messaging.

There are tons of other contractions, too. I just don't have the time to name them all.

One more thing I'll add about contractions: there are appropriate and inappropriate times to use them.

For example, you would use them in a text to a friend. But you would not use a contraction in a formal essay, such as for school.

I've heard a rule that you can use contractions in first-person stories, but not in third. I actually don't follow this, and neither does Rainbow Rowell. (I don't think?) She's just an example. But please do not use contractions in DBQs or other essays. A lot of teachers don't like that.

Contractions count: 14

That's actually not as many as I thought I used...