Contractions and apostrophes for omission

Shorten two words into one using an apostrophe to show where letters have been left out, like don't and I'll.

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Date:

Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Write the contraction for 'do not'. do not = ___
Answer:
2
Which is the correct contraction for 'cannot'? A) can't B) cant' C) can'not D) canot
Answer:
3
Write the contraction for 'I will'. I will = ___
Answer:
4
Shorten the underlined words: 'I am happy.' → '___ happy.' ___ happy.
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5
Which is the contraction for 'it is'? A) its B) it's C) its' D) iss
Answer:
6
Write the contraction for 'will not'. will not = ___
Answer:
7
Write the contraction for 'you are'. you are = ___
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8
Which sentence uses 'it's' correctly (meaning 'it is')? A) The dog wagged it's tail. B) It's raining today. C) The cat licked it's paw. D) Look at it's colour.
Answer:
9
Which contraction means 'they have'? A) they've B) they're C) they'll D) they'd
Answer:
10
Write the contraction of 'I would'. I would → ___
Answer:

Answer key

Contractions and apostrophes for omission · for parents and teachers

1
don't
'Do not' becomes 'don't'. The apostrophe replaces the missing 'o'.
2
can't
'Cannot' is shortened to 'can't'. The apostrophe shows where 'no' was removed.
3
I'll
'I will' becomes 'I'll'. The apostrophe replaces the missing 'wi'.
4
I'm
'I am' becomes 'I'm'. The apostrophe replaces the missing 'a'.
5
it's
'It's' = 'it is'. Be careful: 'its' (no apostrophe) means belonging to it.
6
won't
'Will not' is shortened to 'won't'. This is a tricky one because the spelling changes.
7
you're
'You are' becomes 'you're'. The apostrophe replaces the missing 'a'.
8
It's raining today.
'It's raining' means 'it is raining'. The other sentences need 'its' for possession.
9
they've
'They've' = they have.
10
I'd
'I'd' = I would. Same form is used for 'I had'.