What is a contraction?

A contraction is a shorter way of saying two words. some letters are taken out of a word or words and replaced with an apostrophe.
Example: do not = don't
(The o is removed from not and an apostrophe is put in its place.)

Here are some more examples of contractions using the word not.

​do not = don't
did not = didn't
can not = can't
is not = isn't
have not= haven't

Use contractions with not as a helping verb before the action verb.

​I do not like baseball.
I don't like baseball.

I have not played soccer.
I haven't played soccer.

I can not play basketball.
I can't play baskeball.

​Let's practice talking in English about sports, activities, or hobbies using contractions with not.

Sports:

• I can't play ______________________.

• I haven't played ___________________.

• ______isn't my favorite sport.

• I don't like_______________.

sports words:
basketball, football, soccer, baseball,
volleyball, softball

​Activities or hobbies:
play an instrument, paint, fish, play chess, draw, dance ballet, take pictures, read, skate, practice karate

Activities or Hobbies:

• I can't _____________.

• I haven't____________.

• ______isn't my favorite activity.

• I don't _______________.

​Let's Review Contractions with Not

​do not = don't
can not = can't
is not = isn't
have not= haven't
will not= won't
has not = hasn't
was not = wasn't

Can you think of any more
contractions with not?