Punctuation guide

Apostrophes for short forms

When two words are squashed together, an apostrophe goes exactly where the missing letters were.

The rules

When it's taught at school: Year 2.

1
The apostrophe replaces the missing letters
- do not → don't
- I am → I'm
- they are → they're
- we have → we've
2
Some short forms change a little
- will not → won't
- cannot → can't
- shall not → shan't
3
Short forms are for chatty writing and speech
In formal writing, the full words are often better.
- "I don't know," said Mia.
- We do not accept late entries.

I didnt finish my homework.
I didn't finish my homework.
didn't is short for 'did not': the apostrophe shows where the o was.
She is'nt coming.
She isn't coming.
The apostrophe goes where the missing letter was: is not → isn't, between the n and the t.

Real examples of the questions in our papers. Cover the answer and see if your child can find the mistake.

I dont take / sugar in my / tea, but Mum / does.
Show the answer
Part A should be I don't take. don't is short for "do not", and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
Sam's brother / doesnt like / spiders or / snakes.
Show the answer
Part B should be doesn't like. doesn't is short for "does not", and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
Theyre bringing / sandwiches, crisps / and juice / to the picnic.
Show the answer
Part A should be They're bringing. They're is short for "they are", and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
Wasn't that / the best / film youve / ever seen?
Show the answer
Part C should be film you've. you've is short for "you have", and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
Whats your / favourite subject / at school, / Grace?
Show the answer
Part A should be What's your. What's is short for "what is", and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.
"Wheres my / other sock?" / grumbled Arjun / sleepily.
Show the answer
Part A should be "Where's my. Where's is short for "where is", and the apostrophe shows where letters have been left out.

The daily spelling workout ends with a short punctuation round at your child's level, and brings back the marks they miss.