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Practise Making Words Shorter Using Apostrophes

In this worksheet, students will learn how to use an apostrophe to shorten words (contraction).

Worksheet Overview

When we shorten words we use apostrophes to show that letters have been missed out.

does not / doesn't

she is / she's

they are / they're

 

Sometimes the same shortened form can stand for more than one full version.

 

For example:

She would come if she could. / She'd come if she could.

She had been to feed the ducks in the park. / She'd been to feed the ducks in the park.

 

ducks

 

We use 'd to shorten both the words would and had, but people can understand what we mean when they read the whole sentence.

 

Another shortened form that stands for more than one full version is 's.

It is Monday today. / It's Monday today.

It has been raining all morning. / It's been raining all morning.

 

rain in puddles

 

Want a bit more help before you begin? Why not watch this short video?

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