Short forms

Use gonna for future plans.

Use wanna when you talk about something you want to do.

gotta means "must". Don't say "I'm gotta" — say "I gotta" or "I've gotta".

Use lemme when you offer to do something.

gimme is very casual. Use it only with friends.

kinda means "a little" or "somewhat".

People often say just "Dunno." as a short answer.

A friendly, casual way to ask what someone is doing.

sorta means the same as kinda: "a little" or "not completely".

Use a lotta to talk about a big number or amount of something.

"I'm outta here!" means "I'm leaving now!"

hafta means "must", like gotta. For he, she or it, say hasta (has to).

Use shoulda when you wish you did something in the past. Write "should have", never "should of".

Use coulda for something that was possible in the past, but didn't happen.

Use woulda for something you planned or wanted to do in the past, but didn't do.

Use musta when you are almost sure about something in the past. Write "must have", never "must of".

A fast, friendly way to ask a question about the past.

Gotcha means "I understand." Say it when someone explains something to you.

You'll often hear ya in goodbyes: "See ya!" or "Talk to ya later!"

Use c'mon to encourage someone, or to ask them to hurry.

Use tryna when you are working hard to do something right now.

oughta means "should". Use it to give advice.

'cause sounds like "cuz". You'll hear it all the time in fast speech.

Use dontcha to offer something or to check what someone thinks.

A casual way to ask for help. With your boss or a customer, say "Would you" clearly.

whaddaya is very common in questions: "Whaddaya want?" "Whaddaya mean?"

"I betcha" means "I'm sure that you…"

Use y'all to talk to a group of people. It is very common in the southern United States.