Year 2 · English
Spell Contracted Words
Start here
Focus on writing contractions with apostrophes. Open support for “Learn How to Use Contractions”, then explain the idea in your own words.
Understand the key idea
A contraction is a shortened form of one or more words. One or more letters are removed and an apostrophe is placed where those missing letters would have been, such as “do not” becoming “don’t”.
What are contractions in KS1?
Contractions are shortened forms of one or more words. They are common in speech and informal writing. The apostrophe marks the place where one or more letters have been removed: "I am" becomes "I'm", "we are" becomes "we're", "cannot" becomes "can't", and "she will" becomes "she'll".
Compare the full words with the contraction and identify which letters are missing. Check that the apostrophe marks that gap, rather than placing it where the original words meet.
A simple spelling check
Expand the contraction back into its full words. If the sentence still makes sense, identify the missing letters and check that the apostrophe is in their place. Remember that "won't" and "can't" are irregular-looking forms, so they may need extra practice. Contractions should also be distinguished from possessive apostrophes, which show belonging rather than missing letters.
Common mix-up
The apostrophe does not simply go between the two original words. It marks the position of the letters that were removed.
Try this first
- Write “do not” as two complete words.
- Cross out the letters that will be removed.
- Join the remaining letters and place the apostrophe where the missing letters were.
Ask: Which letters are missing, and where should the apostrophe show that gap?
Curriculum check: DfE English Appendix 2: vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
Year 2 learners practise writing contractions with apostrophes.
The activities include Learn How to Use Contractions, Learn How to Write Contractions, Practise Spelling Contractions, and related practice. The checked support below includes video, worksheet, teaching, lesson. Open a resource in its provider's website and choose the format that best helps the learner explain the idea independently.
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Activities covered
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- Learn How to Use Contractions — support from Oak National Academy
- Learn How to Write Contractions — support from Oak National Academy
- Practise Spelling Contractions — support from Twinkl
- Practise Writing Contractions — support from Oak National Academy
- Understand How to Write Contractions — support from Oak National Academy
- Write Contractions — support from Oak National Academy
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Watch it explained
watch a video explanation
Apostrophes for Contraction
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Year 2 Contractions Video Lesson
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Learn it properly
lessons and teaching pages
Apostrophes for Contraction: Year 2 Unit
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Apostrophes for Contraction: Worksheet and Quizzes
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PlanIt Y2 Contractions Spelling Pack
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