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. 👍

📝 Practice Quiz

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Topics

Contracted Verbs Form Notes, Quizzes & Revision