CONTRACTIONS

A contraction is "a shortening of a word or group of words" (Collins English Dictionary). Usually, the missing letters are replaced by an apostrophe.

For example:

cannot → can't

does not → doesn't
we will → we'll
would not → wouldn't

Contractions can be used in informal writing or in conversation. When used in conversation, they help to make speech sound more natural.

Contractions are generally not considered acceptable in formal writing, such as academic papers or job applications. In formal writing, words and phrases should be written out in full.