What are contractions?
Contractions are shortened forms of two words joined together. An apostrophe (’) is used to replace one or more missing letters.
- do not → don’t
- I am → I’m
- they are → they’re
A contraction still means the same thing as the two original words.
How are contractions formed?
Contractions are formed by combining two words and replacing the missing letters with an apostrophe.
- Start with two words: can not
- Remove one or more letters: can’t
- Add an apostrophe where the letters are missing
The apostrophe always shows where letters were taken out.
Contractions with not
Many contractions are made by joining a verb with the word not.
- is not → isn’t
- are not → aren’t
- did not → didn’t
- will not → won’t
Will not changes to won’t, which does not follow the usual pattern.
Contractions with pronouns
Pronouns are often combined with verbs to make contractions.
- I am → I’m
- he is → he’s
- she is → she’s
- we are → we’re
- you are → you’re
Read the sentence carefully to be sure the contraction matches the words you want to combine.
Using contractions in sentences
Contractions are often used in speaking and writing to make sentences sound natural.
- She is my best friend. → She’s my best friend.
- They are playing outside. → They’re playing outside.
- I do not like broccoli. → I don’t like broccoli.
Contractions are common in everyday writing, but some formal writing may use the full words instead.