Gotcha!
Can you use contractions well? Confidently?
Do you understand native speakers when they are talking quickly and using contractions?
This course will help.
Non-native English teachers can use the information here to answer students' questions about informal speaking, contractions, pronunciation, and use.
Course 2a explores the more complex contractions (A to J alphabetically). Check out AIN'T, BETCHA, BETTERHAD, CANT'VE, COULD'VE, DAREN'T, D' YA, DUNNO, 'ERE, E'EN, FLU, GIMME, GETTA, GOTCHA! HADN'T'VE, HOW'LL, HOW'D, I'VE and many more.
We focus on PRONUNCIATION (BBC/RP accent). We do GRAMMAR (yep!). There are quizzes, lessons, written exercises, pronunciation sessions, listening skills practice, and more.
It builds on Course 1. If you haven't done course 1, and you are of intermediate level, I recommend doing course 1 before course 2a!
This course (2a) is quite difficult in places. Some of the grammar is of advanced level.
Course 2b will continue alphabetically (I - Z)
The courses (1, 2a, 2b, and 3) will form a reference work of contractions, mainly from the 20th Century, and from the early 21st Century. The focus is, really, how to SAY them. Therefore there are a lot of lessons on speaking skills. However, the grammar and spelling is also important and is studied in detail.
In addition we study the degree of formality needed in various situations, and the appropriate level of contraction. In formal written work, for example, contractions are not usually used. On the other hand, in a novel, particularly in dialogue, much that is written uses highly contracted forms.
So, you, the student, need to know when and where to use contractions, and when NOT to!
For the videos it is best to use a headset with good quality sound.
There are a number of tests to check your understanding, and assess your level. Also there are quizzes that are, I hope, simply fun. Learning should be enjoyable.
Best wishes for your studies! I've been a teacher for many years, and it is always so lovely to see students improve and gain confidence.
Moira
