In speech, we ofen use these contracted forms after -
wh- words Who'll be there? Why's he doing that?
nouns The Smiths've gone away. Now'd be a good time.
this, that, these, thoseThese're mine. This'll be fne.
there There're some over here. There'll be rain later.
Note:did is sometimes contracted to 'd afer wh- words: Why'd you do that? ( = Why did you do that?) Note: These contracted forms are less common in writing.
ln speech, we sometimes contract two consecutive words: would/will + have l'll've finished it by tomorrow. He'd've loved to have been there. not + haveShe couldn't've known about it. I wouldn't've minded doing it.
Note: These contracted forms are very uncommon in writing.
Important for listening! In informal speech, the contractions 'd (had) and 've (have) are sometimes left out in the verbs had better and have got to(see also Unit 28): You ('d) better apologise to her. You ('ve) gotta ( = got to) be joking.
1 A: He's leaving now. 2 A: We're arriving at ten. 3 A: I haven't got any money on me. 4 A: Do you think it'd be okay to camp here? 5 A: You should've taken the job. 6 A: I suppose you've heard Kathy's idea? 7 A: I'm starving.
1___ B: Let's ask the farmer. 2 1 B: I thought he'd gone already. 3___ B: Yes, I think it's ridiculous. 4___ B: It'll be good to see you. 5___ B: Well, let's eat now. 6___ B: Don't worry. I've got my credit card. 7___ B: You're right. I should.
Now listen and check your answers. Press 'pause' before each B part andread it aloud. Then press 'play' again and compare your pronunciationwith what follows.
1 My feet will get wet because my shoes have got holes in. 2 There is no butter, but this will do instead. 3 I am sure Ann would help if she could. 4 How did they know we would be there? 5 Adam has phoned to say he is not ready to go yet, but he will call again when he is. 6 There have been four parcels delivered for you while you have been away. 7 What will you do if Tom has already gone?
1 I'd bought some more coffee if _______ known _______ run out. 2 The film _______ started yet, so _______ got lots of time. 3 I suppose _______ closed by now, so _______ come back tomorrow. 4 _______ gone if _______ been anything good on TV. 5 A: _______ had that last slice of pizza. B: I told you _______ make you feel sick!
Follow up: Thelyrics to pop songs often contain contracted forms. Find lyrics tosongs you know. Which song contains the most contracted forms? Can yousay (or sing!) them all fluently?