Contractions A contraction is a shortened form of two words. In a contraction, an
apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters.
Examples: I am = I’m you have = you’ve it is = it’s

Directions: Change the words in ( ) into a contraction.

Visit this link for a chart of some common contractions: Wikipedia:List of English contractions - Wikipedia (Links to an external site.)

PART I

1. (we are) going to the fair this weekend.
2. He said that he (would not) go with me.
3. (it is) time to go to bed.
4. It (is not) too late to enter the contest.
5. I (will not) be able to finish my homework.
6. Do you think (you will) have fun at the party.
7. I (do not) know what (should have) been done.
8. (who did) you say was coming for dinner tonight?
9. (we will) ask them if (they have) seen our dog.
10. You (will not) have time to complete the project.
11. (there is) never enough money to pay the bills.
12. The answer (was not) correct.
13. If (you would) like to go, (I will) take you.
14. I knew (she would) want to buy that ring.

PART II

Directions: Find the two words in each sentence that can make a contraction and underline them. Then,
write the contraction on the line.

1. If we know this, we will make some money for sure! we’ll (Example)
2. Rocky has not given up the fight yet.
3. They are going to help us get through this.
4. He does not seem to understand simple instructions.
5. She will go to the dance with you.
6. I will not give up my dreams for this.
7. The pirate will not learn to swim.
8. It would not be that hard for him.
9. Who are these people and what do they want?
10. I could not stop if I tried.
11. How is that project coming along?
12. If it were not for his behavior, the class would be eating lunch now.
13. Ask as many questions as you want; it is your business.
14. If I were you, I would try a little harder.
15. I have given up on waiting for her.
16. I hate cupcakes: they will be the death of me.
17. Please do not throw things in class.
18. I have not even started doing make-up work.
19. This will be tough if you were not listening.
20. Let us work really hard on this unit since it’s so important.
21. He has not even started his homework!