The Apostrophe and the Principle of Least Effort

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear and engaging introduction to contractions in English grammar, focusing on the role of the apostrophe. Two narrators, David and Paige, explore the linguistic concept known as the "principle of least effort," explaining that humans naturally shorten language to be more efficient—or "lazy"—when speaking. Through this lens, they demonstrate how two words combine into one, with the apostrophe acting as a placeholder for the missing letters. The video visually demonstrates several common contraction patterns using modal verbs and pronouns, such as "I will" becoming "I'll" and "he is" becoming "he's." It also addresses irregular contractions that don't follow standard rules, specifically highlighting the transformation of "will not" into "won't." The narrators use humor and visual aids to make the abstract rules of punctuation concrete and memorable. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent conceptual anchor for lessons on punctuation and writing flow. It moves beyond simple memorization by providing a "why" for contractions—efficiency in communication. This helps students understand that contractions are not just random rules but tools for natural-sounding speech and writing. It is particularly useful for visual learners who benefit from seeing letters literally disappear and be replaced by apostrophes on screen.