Many learners speak every word fully: "I am going to call them, and I can not come." It is correct, but it sounds stiff, and sometimes it even changes the meaning. A full "can" can sound like "can't." Learners also translate directly from languages that have no contractions, so they say "Do not touch that" to a child and sound angry. In this episode you learn the short forms Americans use all day at home, the weak little words that almost disappear, and the one test that tells "can" from "can't." In this episode: • Contractions are normal, not lazy • Would've, should've, could've • Weak words: and, or, for, to, of, them • Can or can't? • Scene: the busy kitchen • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: I'm in the kitchen — I am in the kitchen (neutral) You're up early — you are awake early (neutral) It'll be ready in five minutes (IT-ul) — it will be ready We'll call Grandma later — we will call her They're at the park — they are at the park I'd love some tea — I would love some tea (polite) I've got it — I can handle it (casual) She won't eat broccoli (WOHNT) — she will not eat it Don't touch the stove — a normal warning, not rude I should've called you (SHOOD-uv) — I didn't call, and I regret it You could've asked me (KOOD-uv) — it was possible, but you didn't I would've helped (WOOD-uv) — I was willing to help She must've left early (MUST-uv) — I'm almost sure she left Shoulda, coulda, woulda (SHOOD-uh, KOOD-uh, WOOD-uh) — the fastest casual forms I can come tomorrow (I kun COME) — I am able to come I can't come tomorrow (I KANT COME) — I am not able to come Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.