LOOKING AT APOSTROPHES AND ABBREVIATIONS / 71 ‘Do not’ becomes ‘don’t’ ‘Would not’ becomes ‘wouldn’t’ ‘Could have’ becomes ‘could’ve’. not ‘could of’ ‘Might have’ becomes ‘might’ve’. not ‘might of’ ‘Would have’ becomes ‘would’ve’. not ‘would of’ Because of the way the abbreviation sounds, the use of the word ‘of’ instead of the abbreviation ‘’ve’ is common. The abbreviation of ‘have’ is ‘’ve’ not ‘of’. When words are shortened, it is usual to put a full stop at the end: The names of counties are shortened in the following way and all need full stops after them: Shortening words Note especially Berkshire Berks. Gloucestershire Glos. Hampshire Hants. abbreviation abbr. adjective adj. document doc. etcetera etc. information info. language lang.