Contractions
⭐ MasteredA contraction joins two words and replaces missing letters with an apostrophe. Do not → don't, I am → I'm, they are → they're.
Won't comes from 'will not'.
All about Contractions
A contraction joins two words into one shorter word and uses an apostrophe to show that letters have been left out. For example, do not becomes don't, I am becomes I'm, and they are becomes they're.
Contractions are common in speech and informal writing. In formal writing, it is usually better to write the full words, but contractions can make dialogue in stories sound natural.
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Real-life uses of Contractions
- Making dialogue in stories sound like real speech
- Writing informal messages and emails to friends
- Understanding what you read in books and comics
Frequently asked questions about Contractions
Where does the apostrophe go in "will not"?
It becomes won't. The spelling changes, so it is an exception to the usual pattern.
Is "its" a contraction?
No. "It's" is the contraction of "it is" or "it has". "Its" is a possessive pronoun, as in "The dog wagged its tail."
Should I use contractions in school essays?
Usually not in formal writing. Check with your teacher about what style is expected.