Contractions with ‘not’

key notes:

What are Contractions?

  • Definition: Contractions are shortened forms of words or combinations of words. They use an apostrophe (’) to replace missing letters.
  • Purpose: Contractions make speech and writing quicker and more casual.

Contractions with “Not”

Contractions that include “not” combine it with a helping verb or auxiliary verb. Here are the most common ones:

  • Is not → Isn’t
  • Example: “He isn’t coming to the party.”
  • Are not → Aren’t
  • Example: “They aren’t playing outside.”
  • Was not → Wasn’t
  • Example: “She wasn’t at school yesterday.”
  • Were not → Weren’t
  • Example: “We weren’t ready for the test.”
  • Has not → Hasn’t
  • Example: “He hasn’t finished his homework.”
  • Have not → Haven’t
  • Example: “I haven’t seen that movie.”
  • Do not → Don’t
  • Example: “They don’t like broccoli.”
  • Does not → Doesn’t
  • Example: “She doesn’t want to go shopping.”
  • Cannot → Can’t
  • Example: “I can’t believe it!”

How to Use Contractions with “Not”

  • Identify the Verb: Determine the verb you want to contract with “not.”
  • Replace with the Contraction: Use the appropriate contraction instead of writing “not.”
  • Context Matters: Use contractions mainly in informal writing and conversations.

Practice Examples

Students can practice converting the following sentences to include contractions with “not”:

  • “He is not here.” → “He isn’t here.”
  • “We are not going to the concert.” → “We aren’t going to the concert.”
  • “She does not understand the question.” → “She doesn’t understand the question.”
  • “They have not completed their project.” → “They haven’t completed their project.”
  • “I do not want to go.” → “I don’t want to go.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using contractions in formal writing: Avoid using contractions in formal essays or letters.
  • Confusing similar contractions: Ensure you know the difference between contractions with “not” and other forms (e.g., “its” vs. “it’s”).

let’s practice!