What in the world is a contraction? Well, making a contraction is a very easy action.

Two words make one. I'll show you how it's done!

You start with two words and remove a few letters, and then it'll sound even better!

This isn't the last step. There's more, you'll see! Finish by adding an apostrophe.

Now our two words are one, and we're all done.

Look at all the contractions this story contained! Let's learn more about how they were made.

In a contraction, the first word usually stays the same.

Word 1

Word 2

I'm not changing for you!

The second word loses a letter or two.

Word 1

Word 2

I'll give up my letters for you!

How do specific words change to become contractions? Let's see!

Would you like to practice making contractions with me?

Yes!

How do phrases with "is" become contractions? Replace the i with an apostrophe.

Yes, it's very cloudy!

It is cloudy.

How do phrases with "are" become contractions? Replace the a with an apostrophe.

We are friends.

Actually, we're best friends!