How to pronounce the contractions in English - we'd | they'll | he'd | they're | it'd

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Lucy explains the importance of contractions in informal English, focusing on their pronunciation. She breaks down common contractions involving auxiliary verbs like 'am,' 'is,' 'are,' 'have,' 'had,' and 'would,' providing clear examples to illustrate their usage. Lucy highlights potential confusions and offers practical tips for distinguishing between similar-sounding contractions. The video includes a free downloadable PDF with additional resources and a quiz to reinforce learning, making it a valuable tool for improving conversational English skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Contractions are important for informal and conversational English, frequently used by native speakers.
• 😀 A contraction combines two words into one, often using an apostrophe to indicate missing letters.
• 😀 Common contractions include forms of 'be' (am, is, are) and auxiliary verbs (have, has, had).
• 😀 Positive contractions such as 'I'm', 'he's', 'she's', and 'it's' are commonly used.
• 😀 Understanding the context is crucial for distinguishing between similar contractions, like 'he's' (he is) and 'his' (possessive).
• 😀 Contractions with 'have', 'has', and 'had' are only valid when they serve as auxiliary verbs, not as main verbs.
• 😀 The contracted forms for 'would' (like 'I'd', 'you'd') follow specific grammatical rules related to verb forms.
• 😀 Contractions can also involve informal phrases like 'wanna' (want to) and 'gonna' (going to).
• 😀 Additional resources, such as a free PDF and quizzes, are available to support learning about contractions.
• 😀 Engaging with social media and additional content can further enhance English language skills.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson?

The lesson focuses on positive contractions in English pronunciation and grammar.

What are contractions and why are they used?

Contractions are shortened forms of two words combined into one, commonly used in informal and conversational English.

Can you give an example of a contraction?

An example is 'I will' becoming 'I'll'.

What is the role of the apostrophe in contractions?

The apostrophe replaces the missing letters in the contraction.

How is 'he is' pronounced as a contraction?

'He is' can be pronounced as 'he's' or in some dialects, simply 'is'.

What is the difference between 'has' and 'is' contractions?

Both 'he's' can mean 'he is' or 'he has', but the context helps determine which is meant.

How do you know when to use contractions for 'had' versus 'would'?

'Had' is followed by a past participle, while 'would' is followed by an infinitive.

What are some examples of contractions involving 'will'?

Examples include 'I will' as 'I'll' and 'they will' as 'they'll'.

What are some informal contractions mentioned in the lesson?

Informal contractions include 'wanna' for 'want to' and 'gonna' for 'going to'.

How can students access the accompanying PDF and quiz?

Students can access the PDF and quiz by clicking a link in the description box and signing up with their name and email.