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You would write "The dogs were playing their favourite game". You would not write "The dogs were playing theirs favourite game". Can you spot the single letter difference?

Standard English 02

Standard English keeps writing clear. Learn when contractions fit, when to use full forms, and how to choose formal language for essays and exams.

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Fascinating Fact:

Contractions are fine in speech and informal writing. I am becomes I’m. In formal essays many teachers prefer the full forms.

In KS3 English, you learn how Standard English supports clear, accurate communication. Contractions such as can’t and won’t are common in speech and informal texts, but formal essays often prefer full forms.

Key Terms

Contraction: A shortened form of two words, with an apostrophe, for example I’m for I am.
Formal register: Language style used for essays, reports, and exams, avoiding slang and most contractions.
Dialect: Regional or social varieties of English that may differ from Standard English in grammar or vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Are contractions allowed in KS3 English?

Yes, contractions are acceptable in speech and informal writing. For formal tasks such as essays or exam answers, many teachers prefer full forms like do not instead of don’t.

What is the difference between formal and informal English?

Formal English uses Standard English grammar, precise vocabulary, and usually avoids contractions. Informal English is more relaxed and can include contractions, idioms, and conversational phrases.

When should I use Standard English?

Use Standard English for school essays, assessments, letters of application, and presentations. It ensures clarity and is understood by readers from different regions and backgrounds.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
The candidate must write ....... name on the paper.

his/her

his/hers

your

theirs

"His or her" is fine. "Their" is also generally considered fine as a singular pronoun of unknown gender

2 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
Each person should show ....... entry ticket.

his/her

his/hers

their's

theirs

You could also say "All people should show THEIR entry ticket" because "people" is plural.

3 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
All candidates must write ....... names on the paper.

his/her

his/hers

their

theirs

There is more than one candidate so use "their"

4 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
Students should take ....... passports to the exam.

hers

his

their

theirs

"Students" is a plural noun, so the appropriate pronoun is "their" and not "his"

5 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
Every family should show ....... entry ticket.

its

it's

their

theirs

"Family" is a singular noun and therefore "its" is correct

6 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
The twins are bringing ....... photograph to show us.

his/her

his/hers

their

theirs

More than one person jointly owning the photograph makes "their" the correct pronoun

7 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
Tell John to take ....... passport to the exam too.

he's

his

theirs

there

John is one person, so "his" is correct

8 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
The dogs ran quickly to ....... master.

its

it's

their

theirs

More than one dog all belonging to one master means that you should use "their"

9 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
The student should take ....... passport to the exam.

his/her

his/hers

their's

theirs

"Student" is singular, so use "his or her". "Their" is also generally considered correct to use for a singular, non-gendered pronoun, although not everyone agrees that this is grammatical usage

10 .

Choose the correct pronoun in the following sentence.
The dog ran quickly to ....... master.

its

its'

it's

"It's" is short for "it is" and it would be wrong to use it in this sentence. You might use "he" or "she" instead

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