Contractions — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
She dont like cold pizza.
Corrected: She doesn't like cold pizza.
Grade 3 writers should use doesn't (does + not) with she, he, or it; apostrophe replaces the o in not.
2. Fix the sentence:
We cant find the missing key.
Corrected: We can't find the missing key.
Grade 3 contractions always need an apostrophe to mark missing letters; can't shortens cannot.
3. Fix the sentence:
The door is'nt locked tonight.
Corrected: The door isn't locked tonight.
Grade 3 rule: apostrophe replaces the o in not, so isn't is correct, not is'nt.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I don't want to miss the bus.
Grade 3 use don't with I, you, we, and they to mean do not.
2. She didn't finish her homework last night.
Grade 3 contraction didn't shortens did not for past events.
3. The cookies aren't ready yet.
Grade 3 writers use aren't with plural subjects like cookies.
4. He wasn't home yesterday afternoon.
Grade 3 contraction wasn't shortens was not and is used with he, she, or it.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The contraction don't is short for do not.
True False
Grade 3 learners: don't combines do and not, with the apostrophe replacing the o in not.
2. The contraction can't is short for can it.
True False
Grade 3 rule: can't is short for cannot; the apostrophe replaces the n and o in not.
3. Every contraction must have an apostrophe.
True False
Grade 3 contractions always use an apostrophe to show where letters were removed.