English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Contractions with "not"
Contractions with "not"
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify contractions formed with "not" in written texts.
Form contractions correctly by combining a verb with "not" and using an apostrophe.
Expand contractions with "not" back into their two-word forms (e.g., "isn't" to "is not").
Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate contexts for using contractions with "not" in writing.
Revise sentences to either include or remove contractions with "not" to match a specific tone or formality.
Explain the purpose of an apostrophe in contractions with "not."
Analyze an author's choice to use or avoid contractions with "not" to understand their purpose or character voice.
Ever notice how we often shorten wo...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ContractionA shortened form of two words, joined together with an apostrophe replacing missing letters.The word "isn't" is a contraction of "is not."
ApostropheA punctuation mark ( ' ) used in contractions to show where letters have been left out.In "don't," the apostrophe replaces the 'o' from "not."
"Not"A word used to make a statement negative, often combined with verbs to form contractions.In "do not," "not" makes the verb "do" negative.
VerbA word that describes an action, state, or occurrence (e.g., "is," "do," "have"). Many contractions with "not" involve verbs.In "cannot," "can" is the verb that c...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
Rule for Forming Contractions with "Not"
To form a contraction with "not," combine a verb (like "is," "are," "do," "have") with "not." Remove the letter 'o' from "not" and replace it with an apostrophe (').
This rule applies to most verbs when combined with "not." For example, "is + not" becomes "isn't," "do + not" becomes "don't," and "have + not" becomes "haven't." The apostrophe always takes the place of the missing 'o'.
Rule for Using Contractions in Informal Contexts
Contractions with "not" are generally appropriate and make writing sound more natural in informal contexts....
5 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
An author is writing an argumentative piece about school uniforms. Read the following two claims: Claim 1: "Uniforms aren't good because they don't allow students to express themselves." Claim 2: "Uniforms are not beneficial because they do not allow students to express their individuality." Why is Claim 2 more effective for a formal essay?
A.It is shorter and easier to understand.
B.It uses more sophisticated vocabulary and avoids informal contractions, creating a more credible tone.
C.It uses contractions to connect better with a younger audience.
D.It presents a more emotional and personal argument.
Challenging
While most verbs form a contraction with "not" by adding "n't", the phrase "am not" is an exception. What is the most accurate statement about contracting "am not" in standard, formal English?
A.The correct contraction is "amn't".
B."Am not" does not have a standard contraction; the words should remain separate.
C.The correct contraction is "aren't", as in "I aren't going."
D.The correct contraction is "ain't", which is acceptable in formal essays.
Challenging
A history textbook states: "The colonists did not believe the new tax was fair." A historical fiction novel about the same topic has a character say: "We don't believe this new tax is fair!" What is the most likely reason for the difference in language?
A.The textbook author made a mistake and should have used a contraction.
B.The novel author does not understand formal grammar.
C.The textbook uses formal, objective language to report facts, while the novel uses informal contractions to create a realistic character voice.
D.The word "don't" was not invented at the time the textbook was written.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free