3rd Grade Contractions Worksheets
Contractions shorten word pairs (did not, you are, let us) into everyday forms (didn't, you're, let's). Third graders spell the full set confidently and catch the two classic errors: the missing apostrophe (dont) and the wandering one (do'nt).
Free printable PDF, aligned to Common Core L.2.2.c. One skill per page, answer key on page two.
Every sheet is one of a kind and prints with a version code, so you can reprint the exact same one later. New version every click.
The kind of sentences you'll get
Circle the letter of the correctly written contraction.
-
If you feed the ducks, ______ follow you around the pond.
theyll · they'll · theyl'l
Answer: they'll
- ______ learning about the planets in class. Wer'e · Were · We're
- ______ getting better at the piano every week. Youre · You're · Your'e
Every print draws a fresh mix of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different sheet.
What's on each sheet
- Choose the word. Circle the letter of the correctly written contraction. 10 questions per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
Run the expansion test on every item: say the two full words in the sentence and confirm they fit. Then drill the apostrophe's address: it goes where letters left, so isn't parks it after the n, not before. Sorting a mixed list into not-family, am/are/is-family, and will-family contractions makes the system visible.
Watch for: The apostrophe marks the missing letters, not the joint between words. That's why it's don't, never do'nt. Won't is the rebel: will not should give willn't, but English long ago settled on won't instead.
Common questions about contractions
- What's the most common contraction mistake?
- Leaving the apostrophe out entirely (dont, cant), with the misplaced apostrophe (do'nt) close behind. Both appear as wrong choices on these worksheets on purpose, so students practice spotting them the way they'll need to when editing their own writing.
- Why is "won't" spelled that way?
- Will not should logically give willn't, but English speakers centuries ago used "woll" alongside "will," and won't is the survivor. It's the one contraction kids simply memorize, and the story makes the memorizing easier.
Related worksheets
Ready to print one?
One page, answer key included. A fresh version every time you click.
Aligned to Common Core L.2.2.c. Reviewed by the One More Sheet curriculum team. Content version 68, updated July 2026.