ZZ.3 Form and use contractions with "not"
What are contractions?
Contractions are short forms of two words put together. One or more letters are left out, and an apostrophe (’) shows where letters are missing.
- do not → don’t
- is not → isn’t
- cannot → can’t
Contractions make speaking and writing shorter and easier.
Contractions with the word “not”
Many contractions are made by joining a verb and the word not. The letter o in not is usually replaced by an apostrophe.
- do not → don’t
- will not → won’t
- did not → didn’t
Most “not” contractions end with n’t.
Common contractions with “not”
Some contractions with not are used often in reading, writing, and speaking.
- is not → isn’t
- are not → aren’t
- was not → wasn’t
- were not → weren’t
- has not → hasn’t
- have not → haven’t
The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter.
Using contractions in sentences
You can use contractions when you speak or write to make sentences sound natural and smooth.
- I do not like milk. → I don’t like milk.
- She is not here. → She isn’t here.
- They will not play. → They won’t play.
Contractions are common in everyday writing and conversation.
Be careful with contractions
Some contractions do not follow a simple pattern and must be remembered.
- will not → won’t (not “willn’t”)
- cannot → can’t
Practice helps you learn contractions that look different.
Common Core alignment: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.D – Use conventional spelling for words with common spelling patterns.
Notes for teachers
This free lesson is aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.D. Use it for whole-class instruction, independent practice, or homework.
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