What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elision
Example
The elision of the 'e' in 'have' in the contraction 'I've' is common in English. [elision: noun]
Example
The word 'library' is often pronounced as 'lie-bry' with an elision of the second 'r'. [elision: noun]
contraction
Example
The word 'cannot' can be contracted to 'can't'. [contraction: noun]
Example
She's going to the store. [contraction: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contraction is more commonly used than elision in everyday language. Contraction is widely used in both spoken and written English, while elision is less common and mostly used in pronunciation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elision and contraction?
Contraction is generally considered more formal than elision. While contraction is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, elision is mostly used in informal contexts and is less appropriate in formal writing or speech.
