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Apostrophes (Because of Omission) 01
It's an apple. This is the correct use of an apostrophe - it's means the same as it is.

Apostrophes (Because of Omission) 01

Apostrophes show missing letters in contractions. Learn to spot we’re, you’re, they’re and avoid confusing it’s with its. Practise clear, correct writing.

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Fascinating Fact:

It is becomes it’s, while its without an apostrophe shows possession. The apostrophe marks the missing letter.

In KS3 English, you study apostrophes of omission, which form contractions like don’t (do not) and we’re (we are). You’ll practise using them accurately and avoiding mix-ups such as it’s versus its.

  • Contraction: A shortened form of two words with missing letters, e.g. can’t for cannot.
  • Apostrophe of omission: The apostrophe that shows where letters are left out in a contraction.
  • It’s vs its: It’s = it is/it has; its shows possession, e.g. the dog wagged its tail.
What is an apostrophe of omission in KS3 English?

An apostrophe of omission shows missing letters in a contraction, such as don’t for do not and we’re for we are.

When do I use it’s and when its?

Use it’s for it is or it has. Use its to show possession, e.g. the cat licked its paws.

What are common contractions I should know?

Key examples include I’m (I am), you’re (you are), they’re (they are), won’t (will not), can’t (cannot), and didn’t (did not).

1 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
Are not.
Are'not
Arent
Are'nt
Aren't
Always place the apostrophe where the letter or letters are omitted
2 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
They would.
Theyd
They'd
The'yld
They'ld
Similar contractions are "I'd", for "I would", and "she'd" for "she would" or "she had"
3 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
They have.
Theyave
Theyh've
The'yve
They've
Two letters are omitted here: they have becomes "they've"
4 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
It is.
It is
Its
It's
Its'
Be careful not to confuse "it's", which means "it is", with "its", which is the possessive of "it"
5 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
Who is.
Whois
Who's
Whos'
Whose
Be careful not to confuse "who's", which means "who is", with "whose", which is the possessive of "who"
6 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
Should not.
Shouldnot
Should'not
Should'nt
Shouldn't
Use the apostrophe only where the letters are omitted!
7 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
I have.
I'hve
Ive
I've
Iv'e
Similarly, "you have" becomes "you've" and "we have" becomes "we've"
8 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
Does not.
Doesnot
Does'not
Does'nt
Doesn't
The apostrophe is not placed between the two words!
9 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
Must not.
Mustnot
Mus'tnt
Must'nt
Mustn't
How often do you use the word "mustn't"?
10 .
Contract the following pair of words into one.
Would not.
Wouldnot
Would'not
Would'nt
Wouldn't
Similarly, "can not" becomes "can't" and "could not" becomes "couldn't"
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - How to check your apostrophes are correct

Author:  Sue Daish (English Teacher, Principal Examiner & Published Author)

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