Apostrophes for contraction
How an apostrophe stands in for missing letters, exactly where it goes, and the its and it’s rule.
The answer
An apostrophe for contraction shows where letters have been missed out when two words are squashed together, as in I’m for I am or can’t for cannot.
Examples
I’m going out and I won’t be long.
I’m is I am; won’t is will not.
It’s raining, so don’t forget your coat.
It’s is it is; don’t is do not.
We’ll meet you at the gate.
They’ve already eaten.
Who’s coming to the party?
Who’s is who is.
How to spot it
- Ask what the full words are. If you can say it as two words (it is, do not), the apostrophe is showing a contraction.
- The apostrophe goes where the letters are missing, not where the two words join: do not becomes don’t, because the o is missing.
- It’s always means it is or it has. Its, with no apostrophe, means belonging to it.
The common mistake
Putting the apostrophe in the gap between the words.
Do’nt and could’nt are wrong: the apostrophe replaces the missing o, so it goes don’t and couldn’t.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 2
- On the pupil word list
- Year 2, as “apostrophe”
Year 2 names the apostrophe and uses it to mark where letters are missing, as well as for singular possession.
Try a question
Write the contraction for the marked words.
We are going to be late.
Show the answer
Answer: We’re
The a of are is missed out, so the apostrophe goes in its place.
Practise it
An interactive exercise where your child decides whether each apostrophe shows missing letters or belonging.
Related terms
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Should children use contractions in their writing?
In speech and informal writing, such as a story’s dialogue, yes. Formal writing, such as a report or a letter to the head teacher, usually spells out the full words.
Why is will not shortened to won’t?
It is irregular. Won’t is short for will not even though the letters do not match exactly, so children learn it by heart.
Is it its or it’s?
It’s means it is or it has: it’s cold. Its means belonging to it: the cat licked its paw.
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