Grammar 3-11 | High Beginner 3

Contractions

Listen to four conversations using contractions in spoken English.

Conversation #1

Man: What’s Bob doing?
Woman: He’s working outside. He’s cutting the grass?
Man: Isn’t he playing tennis today?
Woman: No, he isn’t. His partner can’t play today.
Man: Oh, that’s too bad.
Woman: Yeah, he isn’t happy about it.

Conversation #2

Man: Who’s Mary talking to?
Woman: She’s talking with Joe.
Man: What are they talking about?
Woman: They’re discussing the upcoming party.
Man: Isn’t that next week?
Woman: No, it’s next month.

Conversation #3

Man: What are we having for dinner?
Woman: I’m making fried rice.
Man: That’s not very healthy?
Woman: Well, you’re welcome to make dinner yourself.
Man: No, no, I’m not complaining. That’s fine.
Woman: Well, I’m glad you agree.

Conversation #4

Man: What’re you doing?
Woman: I’m going to the park.
Man: I thought we’re going shopping.
Woman: Oops. I’m sorry. I forgot.
Man: It’s OK. Do you still want to go?
Woman: Yeah! I’m game if you are.

Contractions - Be - Present Tense

I am / I’m / I’m not

(Q) What are you doing?
(A) I’m playing tennis.
(N) I’m not doing anything.
(N) I ain’t doing anything (slang)

You are / You’re / You’re not / You aren’t

(Q) Where am I going?
(A) You’re going home.
(N) You’re not going to work
(N) You aren’t going to work.

He is / He’s / He’s not / He isn’t

(Q) What is he doing?
(A) He’s working.
(N) He’s not working.
(N) He isn’t working.

She is / She’s / She isn’t / She’s not

(Q) When is she leaving.
(A) She’s leaving tomorrow.
(N) She’s not leaving until tomorrow.
(N) She isn’t leaving today.

It is / It’s / It’s not / It isn’t

(Q) Is it working?
(A) It’s working.
(N) It’s not working.
(N) It isn’t working.

They are / They’re / They’re not / They aren’t

(Q) What are they doing?
(A) They’re talking.
(N) They aren’t talking.
(N) They’re not talking.

We are / We’re / We’re not / We aren’t

(Q) What are we buying?
(A) We’re buying a car.
(N) We aren’t buying a car.
(N) We’re not buying a car.

Answer the following questions about the interview.