Linked Questions
12 questions linked to/from Shortest correct sentence in English- use of contractions
58
votes
9
answers
58k
views
Is it appropriate to use short form of "have" ('ve) when it means possession?
I feel uncomfortable saying sentences like the following:
"I've a car" instead of "I have a car"
"They've a great time" instead of "They have a great time"
"He's a pen" instead of "He has a pen"
etc
...
59
votes
6
answers
43k
views
Is there some rule against ending a sentence with the contraction "it's"?
I heard this lyric in a song the other day and it just sounded so wrong that I assumed it must be incorrect grammar, but I can't find any specific prohibition that applies.
That's what it's.
That ...
1
vote
4
answers
3k
views
"The problem is he is stingy"
I have this sentence:
The problem is he is very stingy with his money.
But I feel it sounds weird or even wrong with the two ises so close. Is the sentence structure grammatical? If it isn't, how ...
8
votes
3
answers
18k
views
What's this? What is it? but not What's it? - Why?
Can anyone give a cogent, simply described explanation of why the verb BE in:
What is it?
... doesn't seem to be able to be contracted with the subject:
What's it? *
Compare the sentences above ...
8
votes
3
answers
801
views
Is there an exception to the prohibition against ending a sentence with “ ’s ” at work here?
The ’s can be used as a contraction representing a weak, unstressed word that is not pronounced. It allegedly cannot occur in sentence final position.
She is not ready, but he is.
She’s not ...
4
votes
3
answers
11k
views
Is it okay to say "Yes you're." instead of "Yes you are."? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is there some rule against ending a sentence with the contraction “it's”?
I was having an SMS conversation with a friend and somehow "Yes you're" came into play in ...
2
votes
3
answers
24k
views
Is "No" a complete sentence [closed]
I'm aware No is what is called a "sentence word". Does that mean that on its own, it is a "complete sentence"?
Please state the reason for your answer, i.e. do not simply answer "Yes" or "No"
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is there a rule for when contractions are not possible? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is there some rule against ending a sentence with the contraction “it's”?
In conversing with non-native English speakers online, I saw someone type:
Do you ...
0
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Why does the contraction of "I will" sound strange in certain sentence constructions? [duplicate]
Recently, while chatting with a friend via text, my friend asked me, "Can you ask them tomorrow?"
I responded with:
I will when I go.
It occurred to me when writing this response that it would be ...
5
votes
1
answer
5k
views
"If you don't do it, I'll". Why does that sentence feel so awkward? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is there some rule against ending a sentence with the contraction “it’s”?
Earlier today while writing a very informal email, I expressed:
If you don't do it, I will.
Upon ...
3
votes
1
answer
775
views
Why isn’t “It’s” a complete sentence, but “It is” is? [duplicate]
I’m a native English speaker, so I understand that
It’s.
is not a complete sentence, whereas the sentence
It is.
is a complete sentence.
What linguistic mechanism prevents “It’s.” from being ...
1
vote
0
answers
60
views
Why can't the contraction "you're" be used in this sentence? [duplicate]
How come this sentence works:
'Let me know if you’re available.'
But this one doesn’t:
'Let me know if either of you’re available.'
Because the second one doesn't work, there must be some sort of ...