1/15
00:00

GGG.1 Learn how to read and write contractions

Loading questions...

What are contractions?

Contractions are shortened forms of two words combined into one. An apostrophe (‘) takes the place of the missing letters.

Examples:
  • do not → don’t
  • I am → I’m
  • we will → we’ll
Helpful hint

Think of a contraction as two words becoming one. The apostrophe shows where letters are missing.

How are contractions formed?

To form a contraction, combine two words and replace the missing letters with an apostrophe.

Steps:
  • Take the two words: is not
  • Remove the letter “o” → isn’t
  • Use an apostrophe where the letter was removed
Helpful hint

Always check: does the apostrophe replace the letters you left out?

Common contractions you should know

Here are some of the most common contractions you will use in reading and writing:

Contraction List:
  • can not → can’t
  • will not → won’t
  • is not → isn’t
  • he is → he’s
  • she is → she’s
  • they are → they’re
  • you are → you’re
Helpful hint

Some contractions are irregular (like will notwon’t). Practice these carefully.

Using contractions in sentences

Practice reading and writing contractions in full sentences to understand them better.

Examples:
  • “She is happy.” → “She’s happy.”
  • “They are going to the zoo.” → “They’re going to the zoo.”
  • “It is raining outside.” → “It’s raining outside.”
Helpful hint

If you can say the contraction out loud and it makes sense, it is probably correct.