How it works
Contraction bingo with 55 contractions, from isn't to o'clock, each with the words it stands for: do not for don't, I will for I'll.
Read the full guide
Call the long form
Press Call the game and read the line under each call: they are, should have, will not. Pupils hunt for the contraction, so they do the shortening in their heads. The printed call sheet lists all 55 pairs and checks a winning card.
Three that break the pattern
Won't stands for will not, though its vowel changes. Can't stands for cannot, which is one word, and o'clock for of the clock, which is three. Say those three before the game.
- He's, she's and it's can mean is or has, and I'd can mean I would or I had. Either long form earns the square.
Questions and answers
How do you play contractions bingo?
Each pupil gets a different card of 24 contractions around a free center. You say two words, such as they are, and anyone with they're marks it. The first full row, column or diagonal wins.
What is won't short for?
Will not. The o is left from wol not and woll not, spellings of the phrase in Middle English, so won't looks less like its long form than didn't or isn't do.
What is the difference between it's and its?
It's is a contraction of it is or it has: It's going to rain. Its, with no apostrophe, means belonging to it: The dog wagged its tail. Only it's is on the cards.