What is a contraction?
A contraction is when we put two words together and use an apostrophe (') to show that some letters are missing.
Common contractions
- I am → I’m
- You are → You’re
- He is → He’s
- She is → She’s
- It is → It’s
- We are → We’re
- They are → They’re
- Do not → Don’t
- Cannot → Can’t
- Would not → Wouldn’t
How to make a contraction
- Take two words (for example, I am).
- Remove some letters (remove the a from am).
- Put an apostrophe where the letters are missing (I’m).
- Spell the new word with the apostrophe (I’m).
Tips for using contractions
- Use contractions in speaking and informal writing, like in a friendly note or a story.
- In very formal writing (like a report), you might not use contractions.
- Practice by making two-word phrases and turning them into contractions (e.g., you are → You’re).
Quick practice
Write the contraction for these pairs:
- I am → I’m
- You are → You’re
- They are → They’re