Contraction — English definition
A shortened form such as they’re, with an apostrophe marking omitted letters.
Where it is taught
- Commonly Confused Words & Precise Meaning — Language, Vocabulary & Sentence Craft, English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression, Grade 7
In use
Two ideas untangle almost all of these pairs: a possessive shows that something belongs to someone, while a contraction is two words shrunk into one with an apostrophe standing in for the missing letters.
Commonly Confused Words & Precise Meaning
Questions using contraction
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
A shortened form such as they’re, with an apostrophe marking omitted letters. The unit case offers this example to examine: They’re moving the sign over there because its letters are small. They’re expands to they are; there indicates the place; its shows the sign’s possession. The edits preserve the intended meaning rather than changing the group’s action or the reason for it. Identify the wording or choice that fits the term. A different accurate example is acceptable.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.