6 Common Informal Contractions in Spoken English | kinda sorta outta alotta lotsa cuppa

Hello, again. It’s Lynn. 

In today's video, I’m going  to be telling you about some  

informal contractions including the word ‘of’. 

Now, it's important to remember that these  types of contractions are just for conversation. 

You don't want to use them in writing. So pay close attention. 

And if you memorize how to say these  contractions, you’re gonna start sounding  

just like a native speaker.

Let’s take a look.

Alright, let’s take a look at my list of  common contractions including the word ‘of’. 

Now, in this list, instead of saying  ‘of’,

we're going to use the ‘schwa’ sound, the kind of ‘uh’ sound  to make these contractions. 

I have six examples. I’ll say each of them twice. 

The first time, I’ll say it slowly.

The second time, I’ll say it at  a normal speed like a native speaker.

It's really important that you repeat after me out loud each time.

Here we go.

Okay, first one. ‘kind of’ = ‘kinda’ 

‘She's kinda cute.’ ‘She's kinda cute.’ 

Next. ‘sort of’ = ‘sorta’ ‘I’m sorta tired’ 

‘I’m sorta tired’ 

‘out of’ = ‘outta’ ‘I’m outta money.’ 

‘I’m outta money.’ ‘a lot of’ = ‘alotta’ 

‘They ate alotta cake.’ ‘They ate alotta cake.’ 

‘lots of’ = ‘lotsa’ ‘He has lotsa money.’ 

‘He has lotsa money.’ 

Last one. ‘cup of’ = ‘cuppa’ 

‘Would you like a cuppa coffee?’ ‘Would you like a cuppa coffee?’ 

Did you guys hear that schwa that ‘uh’ sound?

Alright, great job. Let's move on.

All right, let's take a look at a few dialogues.

And really pay close attention to these because I promise if you do it's going to  help you master these contractions. 

Conversation 1. Which of these can be made into contractions? 

Yes, these ones. “Buy me a cuppa coffee.” 

“Sorry. I’m outta money.” 

Conversation 2. Which of these can be made into contractions? 

Yes, these ones. “It's getting kinda hot.” 

“Yes, we need to drink alotta water.” 

Conversation 3. Which of these can be made into contractions? 

Yes, these ones. “I’m sorta tired.” 

“Go home and get lotsa rest.” 

All right, good work today, everyone. We practiced a lot and studied a lot,  

so I know if you keep on studying. You'll be on your way to  

speaking just like a native speaker in no time.

Let me know how you're doing in the comments.

Thanks for watching my video and see you guys next time.