Common Mistake: Non-standard Contractions

If you've ever come across phrases like "I've a" or "we're gonna", you may have encountered a non-standard contraction. While contractions are commonly used in English to combine words and make speech more efficient, it's important to use standard contractions to maintain proper grammar.

What are Non-standard Contractions?

Non-standard contractions are contractions that deviate from the accepted grammar rules. These contractions are not commonly used or recognized in formal writing or speech.

The Correct Usage

To express possession or the contraction of "have" in a proper way, it is recommended to use either of the following alternatives:

• Have: Instead of saying "I've a book," say "I have a book." This follows the standard contraction rules and maintains proper grammar.
• 've Got: Another alternative is to use "'ve got" instead of the non-standard contraction. For example, instead of saying "I've a car," you can say "I've got a car" or "I have got a car."

Using standard contractions not only helps you communicate more effectively, but it also ensure you adhere to proper grammar rules.

Linguix Grammar Checker

To ensure your writing is grammatically correct, you can use the Linguix Grammar Checker. It automatically detects non-standard contractions and suggests appropriate alternatives to improve your writing.