✨ Lesson 4: The Apostrophe for Contractions (isn't, don't, I'm)
In the last two lessons, we learned to use the apostrophe ( ' ) for possession. Today, we will learn its second main job: to create contractions1.
A contraction is a shorter way to say two words. The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter or letters. Contractions are very common in spoken English and informal writing2.
Common Contractions
Here are some of the most common contractions you need to know.
Contractions with 'not':
- is not → isn't (He isn't a doctor.)
- are not → aren't (They aren't here.)
- do not → don't (I don't understand.)
- does not → doesn't (She doesn't like spicy food.)
Contractions with 'am', 'is', and 'are':
- I am → I'm (I'm tired.)
- He is → He's | She is → She's | It is → It's
- You are → You're | We are → We're | They are → They're
- What is → What's | Where is → Where's
A Very Common Mistake: 'it's' vs. 'its'
This is one of the most common mistakes in English writing. It is very important to learn the difference.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| it's (with apostrophe) | Contraction for "it is" or "it has" | It's a beautiful day in Siem Reap. |
| its (no apostrophe) | Possessive adjective (like my, his, her) | The hotel is famous for its swimming pool. |
🧠 Practice Quiz: Write the Contraction
Write the correct contraction for the words in parentheses ( ).
- (She is) my teacher.
→ She's - (We do not) have a reservation.
→ We don't - (They are) from Australia.
→ They're - (Where is) the nearest ATM?
→ Where's
📝 Homework: Choose 'it's' or 'its'
Complete the sentences with the correct word: 'it's' or 'its'.
1. Look at that dog! Look at ______ long tail.
2. I can't go outside because ______ raining.
3. This is a great restaurant. ______ food is always delicious.
4. I think ______ time to go home now.
(Answers: 1. its, 2. it's, 3. Its, 4. it's)