Contract vs Contract

• Contract (a formal agreement) – Noun

• Contract (to shrink or become smaller) – Verb

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Contract (Noun): Pronounced /ˈkɑːntrækt/ (KAHN-trakt) — An agreement.

• Contract (Verb): Pronounced /kənˈtrækt/ (kun-TRAKT) — To shrink.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "contract" in context.
Can you tell which “contract” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. The employee signed the contract for a new job.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

2. Metal tends to contract when it cools.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

3. They reviewed the contract carefully before agreeing to the terms.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

4. The muscles in his arm contracted after lifting the heavy weight.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

5. The lawyer drafted a contract for the property sale.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

6. Certain materials contract more in cold temperatures.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

7. He refused to sign the contract until changes were made.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

8. When exposed to heat, the balloon expanded, and when cooled, it contracted.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

9. The contract between the two companies outlined all responsibilities.
   a. A formal agreement
   b. To shrink or become smaller

10. Your pupils contract in bright light to protect your eyes.
    a. A formal agreement
    b. To shrink or become smaller

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Contract (a formal agreement)

1. The contract was signed in the presence of a notary. (Stress contract to highlight the document.)

2. She refused to sign the contract without legal advice. (Highlight contract to show its importance.)

3. The contract clearly stated all the terms and conditions. (Emphasize contract to focus on its content.)

Contract (to shrink or become smaller)

1. The metal will contract when it cools. (Stress contract to emphasize the action.)

2. His muscles began to contract during the workout. (Highlight contract to show the physical movement.)

3. Certain materials contract more than others in extreme temperatures. (Emphasize contract to focus on the reaction.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking.

Contract (a formal agreement):

• Sign the contract: Focuses on the act of agreeing.

  • Tip: Highlight sign to emphasize the action.

  • Sentence: He was hesitant to sign the contract without reading it thoroughly.

• Legal contract: Refers to a binding agreement.

  • Tip: Stress legal to highlight the official nature.

  • Sentence: The legal contract protected both parties.

• Contract terms: Focuses on the specific details of the agreement.

  • Tip: Highlight terms to emphasize the details.

  • Sentence: They negotiated the contract terms for hours.

Contract (to shrink or become smaller):

• Contract in the cold: Highlights a material’s reaction to temperature.

  • Tip: Stress cold to indicate the condition causing contraction.

  • Sentence: The pipes might contract in the cold, leading to cracks.

• Muscles contract: Refers to physical tightening.

  • Tip: Highlight muscles to show the body’s response.

  • Sentence: Your muscles contract when you lift heavy objects.

• Contract over time: Suggests gradual reduction.

  • Tip: Stress over time to show the process.

  • Sentence: The rubber bands will contract over time if left unused.

Things to Remember:

The word "contract" is used in different contexts:

• Contract (a formal agreement): Often paired with phrases like "sign the contract," "legal contract," or "contract terms."

  • Example: The contract terms were reviewed carefully by both parties.

• Contract (to shrink or become smaller): Commonly used with "contract in the cold," "muscles contract," or "contract over time."

  • Example: The metal rods will contract in the cold and expand in the heat.