Contractions are a way to shorten two or more words by combining them into one word, usually with an apostrophe. They are commonly used in everyday speech and informal writing, but their use in formal writing, such as academic papers, is generally discouraged. Contractions can make writing seem more conversational and less formal, and they can also save space and time. However, there are rules about when and how to use them, and only certain words can be contracted. Pronouns, modal verbs, and small, common words like "not" and "is/are" are typically the words that can be contracted. Here are some examples of contractions:

• Im (I am)
• Were (We are)
• Cant (Can not)
• Dont (Do not)
• Ive (I have)
• Theyre (They are)

Its important to note that contractions are not appropriate for all writing situations, and their use should be considered based on the context and audience.