We often push two words together to make a short form, called a contraction. An apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
Do not becomes don't (the o is missing). I am becomes I'm (the a is missing). It is becomes it's. They are becomes they're. Will not is a strange one: it becomes won't.
Contractions are good for speech and friendly writing. In formal writing, use the full words.
Worked example
Write the short form of “we have”.
- Push together: wehave.
- The letters ha are left out, so the apostrophe goes there.
Answer:we've
Key words
- apostrophe
- the mark ' that shows missing letters or belonging
- contraction
- two words shortened into one
- formal
- careful, serious writing
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.2.2c