Grammar

Today, we will look at abbreviations, contractions, and slang. When you talk to a friend, you might shorten your words. Sometimes, you will use popular phrases that means something different than the words that make them up.

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Abbreviations are not commonly used in formal language unless in an email address or greeting.

Abbreviation	Word or Phrase
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_3.mp3 Aug.	August
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_4.mp3 Mr.	Mister
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_5.mp3 U.S.	United States

Some abbreviations are considered more informal than others. These examples are frequently seen in text messages or notes between friends.

A contraction is one word made by combining parts of two words. Letters are taken out of a word, and an apostrophe is used (').

Contraction	Words
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_9.mp3 he's	he is
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_10.mp3 wasn't	was not
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_11.mp3 they're	they are

Slang is a word or phrase used when talking casually. The word or phrase is used in a sentence and means something different than the words it contains.

Slang	Meaning
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_13.mp3 That car is cool.	That is a neat or nice car. (The car is NOT cold to the touch.)
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_14.mp3 Please chill out!	Calm down. (You are NOT being told to lower your temperature.)
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2_30.1_pg6_15.mp3 My bad!	I made a mistake. (I am NOT a bad person.)

Let's practice identifying abbreviations, contractions, and slang. Look at the words below. Sort them into the correct category.