How can contractions be defined?

Contractions are defined as words formed by combining two words into one. This definition accurately describes how contractions function in language; for instance, "can't" is created from "cannot" and "it's" from "it is." In contraction formation, an apostrophe typically replaces the omitted letters from the original words, making them more concise and easier to pronounce in spoken language.

The other choices do not align with the correct definition of contractions. For example, suggesting that contractions are simple words with no components overlooks the structural combination that characterizes them. Further, stating that they cannot be divided contradicts their nature, as contractions can indeed be broken back into their original words. Lastly, indicating that they are complex phrases rather than single words misrepresents them, as contractions are generally recognized as single cohesive words in grammatical contexts.