Contractions — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each contraction by its ending: 've form (means have) or 'll form (means will).
've form
I'vewe'vecould've 'll form
he'llthey'llyou'll The 've ending always means have and the 'll ending always means will in these contractions.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The contraction 'I've' means I have.
I've is short for I have, with the apostrophe replacing 'ha' from the word have.
2. The contraction 'we've' means we have.
We've is short for we have, with the apostrophe standing in for 'ha' from have.
3. The contraction 'they'll' means they will.
They'll is short for they will, with the apostrophe replacing 'wi' from will.
4. The contraction 'could've' means could have.
Could've is short for could have, not could of, because 've always comes from have.
5. The contraction 'he'll' means he will.
He'll is short for he will, with the apostrophe replacing 'wi' from the word will.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The contraction 'I've' stands for 'I have'.
True False
I've joins I and have, with the apostrophe replacing the 'ha' letters from have.
2. The contraction 'we'll' means 'we have'.
True False
We'll means we will, not we have, because 'll comes from will and 've comes from have.
3. The contraction 'should've' really means 'should have'.
True False
Should've is short for should have, and writing should of is a common mistake to avoid.
4. The contraction 'they'll' stands for 'they have'.
True False
They'll means they will because the 'll ending always stands for the word will.