Grade 4 English Parts Of Speech – Contracted Verbs Form Notes
English — Parts of Speech
Subtopic: Contracted Verbs Form
What is a contraction? 😊 A contraction is a short way of saying two words. We put an apostrophe (') where letters are missing. Contractions make speaking and friendly writing faster and easier.
Look:
- I am → I'm
- You are → You're
- He is → He's
- She is → She's
- It is → It's
- We are → We're
- They are → They're
- Do not → Don't
- Can not → Can't
- Will not → Won't
- Have not → Haven't
- Let us → Let's
How to make a contraction
- Write the two words (for example: I am).
- Remove the missing letters (the letters that are not said).
- Put an apostrophe (') where the letters were removed (I am → I'm → I'm).
Remember:
- A contraction uses an apostrophe where letters have been left out.
- We use contractions when we speak or write friendly notes, stories or messages.
- Avoid contractions in very formal writing (exam answers, formal letters, school reports) unless the teacher allows them.
Examples in sentences (Kenyan context)
- I'm going to school. (I am going to school.)
- He's playing football at the field. (He is playing football at the field.)
- We're having ugali for lunch. (We are having ugali for lunch.)
- They don't have time to wait. (They do not have time to wait.)
- She can't come today. (She cannot come today.)
Mini practice — change the words
Turn these pairs into contractions:
- I am → ______
- You are → ______
- Do not → ______
- Will not → ______
- They are → ______
Now expand these contractions (write the full form):
- She's → ______
- We're → ______
- Can't → ______
- Haven't → ______
- Let's → ______
Answers
- I am → I'm
- You are → You're
- Do not → Don't
- Will not → Won't
- They are → They're
- She's → She is
- We're → We are
- Can't → Cannot
- Haven't → Have not
- Let's → Let us
Good work! Keep practising contractions when you read and speak. They make conversations smooth and friendly. 👍