Using apostrophes for contractions

An apostrophe for contraction is used when words are shortened.

Most of the time, this happens when two words are joined together, and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.

For example, 'do not' becomes 'don’t', with the apostrophe replacing the 'o' in the word 'not'.

do not → don't

Contractions make speech and writing sound more natural and informal.

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Learn about apostrophes for contraction by joining Private Investigator, Dash Marks, in solving a mystery. Then, put your knowledge to the test in the quiz!

Contractions are shortened words created by removing certain letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.

The apostrophe shows exactly where letters have been taken out – not where the words were joined.

When you contract words, the space between them disappears:

did not → didn't

that is → that's

we are → we're

A common mistake is writing 'should of' when contracting 'should have':

should have → should've

would have → would've

could have → could've

Remember to make sure the spelling shows the two words that make up the contraction.

Top tip!

The word 'its' or 'it’s' can be very tricky. It can be written two ways, with two very different meanings.

You use 'it’s' (with an apostrophe) for contracting ‘it is’ or ‘it has’. For example:

It’s sunny today.

You use 'its' (without an apostrophe) for possession. For example:

The dog scratched its ear.

Contraction creations!

Grab some pieces of paper and write down pairs of words. You will also need to make an apostrophe.

Try examples like:

• do not
• I am
• they are
• we will
• someone has

Now, break them up by tearing out the letters you don’t need and drop in the apostrophe exactly where those letters were.

How many different contractions can you create?