English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Contractions with "not"
Contractions with "not"
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify contractions formed with the word "not" in sentences.
Correctly form contractions by combining a verb with "not."
Accurately place the apostrophe in contractions with "not."
Expand contractions with "not" back into their two-word forms.
Understand when and why to use contractions with "not" in their writing.
Recognize the special case of "will not" becoming "won't."
Ever notice how we often shorten words when we speak or write informally? 🤔 Like saying 'don't' instead of 'do not'?
In this lesson, you'll become an expert on contractions formed specifically with the word 'not.' We'll discover how to combine verbs with 'not&...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ContractionA shortened form of two words, where some letters are left out and replaced by an apostrophe.Instead of 'do not,' we can say 'don't.'
ApostropheA punctuation mark ( ' ) used in contractions to show exactly where letters have been removed.In 'isn't,' the apostrophe replaces the 'o' from 'not.'
NegativeA word or phrase that expresses denial, disagreement, or the absence of something. 'Not' is a common way to make a statement negative.'I am not hungry' is a negative statement.
VerbA word that describes an action, a state of being, or an occurrence. Many contractions with 'not' combine a verb with 'not.'Words like 'is,' 'are,' 'do,&...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Not' Combination Rule
To form most contractions with 'not,' combine a verb (like 'is,' 'are,' 'do,' 'have,' 'will,' 'can,' 'could,' 'should,' 'would,' 'must') with the word 'not.'
This rule applies to most verbs. You take the verb, add 'not,' and then apply the apostrophe rule.
The Apostrophe Replacement Rule
When combining a verb with 'not,' the letter 'o' from 'not' is removed and replaced with an apostrophe (').
The apostrophe always goes where the missing letter 'o' used to be. For example, 'do not' becomes 'don't'.
The 'Will Not' Special Case...
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Challenging
Which sentence correctly uses two different contractions with "not"?
A.He wasn't sure, and they aren't either.
B.I dont know why she has'nt called.
C.You should'nt worry, it is'nt a problem.
D.They won't go, so we should'nt either.
Challenging
In which of the following writing situations would it be MOST important to write "do not" instead of "don't"?
A.In a text message to a friend about homework.
B.In the dialogue of a character in a fictional story.
C.In a persuasive essay arguing for a new school rule.
D.In a personal journal entry about your day.
Challenging
A student writes "willn't" instead of "won't." This error most clearly shows a misunderstanding of what key concept?
A.That "not" is a negative word.
B.That an apostrophe replaces the 'o' in 'not'.
C.That contractions are used in informal writing.
D.That "will not" is a special case that doesn't follow the standard pattern.
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