Contractions: meaning, definitions and examples

Contractions are commonly used to combine two words into one, mainly to make language more casual and conversational. They are often used in spoken English and informal writing.

• Don't forget to call your mom.
• I'll see you tomorrow.

Abbreviations are used to shorten words or phrases, often for the sake of brevity in writing. They are common in formal writing, notes, and technical contexts.

• The meeting will be held at 3 p.m.
• Dr. Smith is our guest speaker.

Shortening refers to the general process of reducing the length of words or phrases. This term can be used to refer to any form of making words shorter, including contractions, abbreviations, and clippings.

• In texting, 'you' is often shortened to 'u'.
• The word 'information' can be shortened to 'info'.

Clipping involves shortening a longer word by removing some parts, and it's often found in everyday informal speech. Clipped words are typically casual and very common in colloquial dialogue.

• I'll grab a burger and some fries.
• Can you take the photo with my cam?

Used when talking about the muscle tightening and relaxing typically associated with childbirth or other medical conditions.

• She started experiencing contractions and had to go to the hospital.
• The doctor monitored the strength and frequency of her contractions.

Describes the feeling of muscles being tight or tense, often resulting from stress, overuse, or lack of stretching.

• She felt muscle tightness in her shoulders after a long day at work.
• Regular stretching can help relieve muscle tightness.

Refers to a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction often associated with pain, typically resulting from overuse, injury, or conditions like dehydration.

• He had a muscle spasm in his leg after running a marathon.
• Muscle spasms can be very painful and sometimes require medical attention.