Jimmy’s going to call his mum to

come and get us

Hannah’s just bought a new dog.

Contracted forms

A number of function words have contracted forms, written with an apostrophe:

Contracted Function Pronunciation

form word

‘d had, would /d/ after vowels: I’d already seen it.

/əd/ after consonants: It’d be wonderful.

‘s is, has /s/ after /p,t,k,f, θ/: It’s interesting.

/z/ after other sounds: She’s left.

‘ll will /l/: I’ll get it.

Contracted forms

Contracted form Function word Pronunciation

‘ve have /v/ after vowels: You’ve got a letter.

/əv/ after consonants: I could’ve gone.

‘re are /ər/ before a vowel: We’re alright.

/ə/ before a consonant: We’re winning.

n’t not /nt/: I haven’t got any.

We don’t use these contracted forms (except n’t) at the end of a sentence:
I’m sure he will. (not: ...he’ll.)
1. First match the A parts with the B parts. Then listen,
check and read it aloud. (File 1)

1 A He’s leaving now. 4

…..B Let’s ask the farmer.

2 A We’re arriving at ten. ..1.B I thought he’d gone already.

3 A 6
I haven’t got any money on me. …..B Yes, I think it’s ridiculous.

4 A Do you think it’d be okay to 2

…..B It’ll be good to see you.
camp here?
5 A You should’ve taken the job. …..B
7 Well, let’s eat now.

6 A I suppose you’ve heard Kathy’s …..B

3 Don’t worry. I’ve got my credit
idea? card.
7 A I’m starving. …..B
5 You’re right. I should.
2. Underline words that could be contracted in these
sentences. Then listen and check. Read them aloud.
(File 2)

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.