How to use “it’s” and “its”
It’s a wise dog that scratches its own fleas. And, it’s a discerning individual that can tell apart “it’s” as a contraction from “its” as a possessive.
Meaning of ‘its’ and ‘it’s’
- It’s with an apostrophe (‘s) is a contraction of it + is or it + has.
- Its without an apostrophe is a possessive pronoun in the third-person.
| examples with ‘it’s’ | example with ‘its’ |
| It looks like it’s going to rain. | April with its sweet flowers. |
“It’s” as a contraction
The apostrophe in ‘it’s’ signals a contraction (not a possessive, though apostrophe s can be used to create a possessive, ironically).
Contractions are words that have been shortened by an apostrophe and omitting certain letters or vowels.
- isn’t = is + not
- doesn’t = doest + not
- would’ve = would + have
- could’ve = could + have
It’s combines the third-person pronoun it with either the verb is or has.
| It’s (it + is) | It’s (it + has) |
| Finally-it’s here! | It’s been so long since we last saw each other! |
“Its” as a possessive pronoun
Its (no apostrophe) is a possessive pronoun in the third-person (plural or singular). We use possessives to show something as associated with or belonging to what was previously referenced.
- The government encourages its citizens to vote during elections.
- This is my cookie pile, and that one is yours.
- Whose gift do you like better, mine or hers?
Hers, his, its, and theirs are third-person possessive pronouns, and can be either singular or plural, and used as sentence subjects or objects.
Herself, himself, itself, themself, and themselves are third-person reflexive and intensive pronouns.
A tip to learn when to use its vs. it’s
If you can replace it (literally!) in the sentence with ‘it is’ or ‘it has’, use it’s with an apostrophe. Otherwise, it’s ‘its’ without the apostrophe.
How many times can you use ‘its’ and ‘it’s’ in the same sentence and still have it make sense? You tell me!
The contraction, ‘it’s’, used in sentences
| Sentences using ‘it’s’ (contraction) |
| Don’t worry; it’s easy to get these things confused. In our house, it’s okay to sit by the fire and read a book all night. She said it’s only a fifteen-minute drive. |
Possessive pronoun, ‘its’, used in sentences
| Examples using ‘its’ (possessive) |
| The cat is too big for its carrier. This cheese is past its expiration date. The company is proud of its achievements. |
Read about commonly confused words
- Is it Elude or Allude?
- When To Use Infer vs. Imply
- What’s the Difference Between Invoke and Evoke?
- Is it Allot, A lot or Alot?
- Which is it: Allusion or Illusion?
- Insure, Ensure or Assure?
- Averse or Adverse?
- “Accept” vs. “Except”: What’s the Difference?
Sources
- The Elements of Style, Struck & White.
- Dictionary.com on third-person possessive pronouns.
