Contractions, typically consisting of four letters and incorporating an apostrophe, represent shortened versions of two words. Common examples include “can’t” (cannot), “won’t” (will not), and “it’s” (it is). These shortened forms replace omitted letters with the apostrophe.
These compact forms enhance conversational flow and contribute to an informal, often more natural, writing style. Historically, they arose from a need for brevity in both spoken and written communication, becoming increasingly prevalent as language evolved. Their usage reflects a balance between efficiency and clarity, with the apostrophe serving as a visual cue to the omitted letters.