Contractions with Not for Kids
Learning to shorten words with 'not' Grade 3 English Language Arts
What is a Contraction?
A contraction is two words put together We use an apostrophe (') to replace missing letters Contractions make words shorter and easier to say Example: do not becomes don't
Let's Practice: is not = isn't
Look at the word 'is not' Cross out the 'o' in 'not' Add an apostrophe where the 'o' was Now you have 'isn't'!
Common 'Not' Contractions
{"left":"cannot = can't\nwill not = won't\nshould not = shouldn't\ncould not = couldn't","right":"would not = wouldn't\nhave not = haven't\nhas not = hasn't\nhad not = hadn't"}
Can you guess this contraction?
What does 'are not' become? Hint: We remove the 'o' and add an apostrophe The answer is... aren't!
Special Case: will not = won't
'Will not' is special - it doesn't follow the regular pattern Instead of 'willn't', we say 'won't' This is the only contraction that changes completely Remember: will not = won't
Match the Contractions!
Draw lines to match each pair: do not → don't did not → didn't does not → doesn't Try it yourself!
Using Contractions in Sentences
We can use contractions in everyday speech Example: 'I cannot go' becomes 'I can't go' Example: 'She will not come' becomes 'She won't come' Contractions sound more natural when we talk
Quick Quiz Time!
What contraction would you use for: 'They are not ready' Raise your hand if you know! Answer: They aren't ready!
Remember the Rules!
Contractions combine two words into one The apostrophe replaces the missing letters Most 'not' contractions drop the 'o' from 'not' Special case: will not = won't Practice makes perfect!