CONTRACTED SENTENCES Edit

Contracted sentences are shortened compound sentence structures used to avoid the needless repetition of identical words like subjects or predicates, improving overall sentence structure and flow.

Contracted sentence structure showing shortened compound sentences

What Are Contracted Sentences in English Grammar?

Compound sentences often appear in a contracted or shortened form, so as to avoid the needless repetition of the same word.

Pro Tip: When learning about sentence syntax, understanding how to contract clauses properly helps in changing compound sentences to complex and simple ones efficiently.

How to Use One Subject for Two Predicates

When there are two predicates to the same subject, there is no need to mention the subject more than once:

  • (1) The sun rose and (the sun) filled the sky with light.
  • (2) He called at my house but (he) left soon.
  • (3) He is poor, but (he is) honest. (Adversative).
  • (4) He is diligent, and therefore. (he is) prosperous. (Illative).

How to Use Two Subjects for One Predicate

When there are two subjects to the same predicate, we need not mention the predicate more than once:

  • (1) He and you are guilty. ( = He is guilty and you are guilty). (Cumulative)
  • (2) Either she did this or her parents (did this). (Alternative).

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Do you want to learn Group Verbs/Phrasal Verbs? Click to read all the posts on group verbs/phrasal verbs:

◼️Group Verbs/Phrasal Verbs: Part 1

◼️Group Verbs/Phrasal Verbs: Part 2

◼️Group Verbs/Phrasal Verbs: Part 3

Key Takeaways

  • Contracted sentences help eliminate needless repetition in compound sentences.
  • Omit the repeated subject when two predicates share the same subject.
  • Omit the repeated predicate when two subjects share the same predicate.

Quick Practice

Write your answers in the comments section below:

  1. Contract this sentence: "The wind blew and the wind howled."
  2. Contract this sentence: "Tom is smart and Jerry is smart."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a contracted sentence?

A contracted sentence is a shortened compound sentence structure that avoids the repetition of identical words like subjects or predicates.

When can you omit a subject in a compound sentence?

You can omit the subject when there are two predicates sharing the exact same subject.

When can you omit a predicate?

You can omit the predicate when there are two subjects sharing the exact same predicate.

More Lessons to Try

Continue improving your English grammar and writing skills with these related lessons: