Contractions

Shortened forms join words with an apostrophe.

Examples

• don't, I'm, they've, it's

Key rules

• Contractions join words with an apostrophe: do not → don't, I am → I'm
• The apostrophe replaces the missing letters
• it's = it is or it has; its shows possession
• Use them in speech and informal writing

Common mistakes

• Its raining → It's raining
• The dog wags it's tail → The dog wags its tail