Table Summarising the Difference Between Its and It’s

Its It’s
Meaning A determiner. A contraction of ‘It is’ or ‘It has’.
Example The cat hurt its paw. It’s sunny today.

When to Use It’s vs Its

Knowing when to use “it’s” versus “its” is essential for clear and correct writing:

  1. It’s (with an apostrophe):
    • Use “it’s” as a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
    • Example: “It’s raining outside” (It is raining outside), “It’s been a long day” (It has been a long day).
  2. Its (without an apostrophe):
    • Use “its” as a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or association.
    • Example: “The dog wagged its tail,” “The company increased its profits.”

Difference between Its and It’s | Its vs. It’s with ExamplesWhen to Use It’s vs Its

Have you ever confused its for it’s and realised that you’re not really sure when to use the apostrophe after all?

You’re not alone, so don’t worry. It’s and it’s are actually two of the most frequently mistaken terms in written English, even among native English speakers. These are tiny, three-letter compounds.

This is because the two words contain the same base pronoun (it) at the root of their spellings and are pronounced similarly. Nevertheless, the word’s meaning is completely altered by the mere act of adding an apostrophe between the final letters.

Table of Content

  • What is the Difference Between Its and It’s
  • Table Summarising the Difference Between Its and It’s
  • Difference between Its and It’s – Meaning
  • Examples for It’s and Its

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What is the Difference Between Its and It’s

“Its” is a possessive pronoun, indicating that something belongs to or is associated with a thing or concept. For example, “The dog wagged its tail.”On the other hand, “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.” For instance, “It’s raining outside” (meaning “It is raining outside”) or “It’s been a long day” (meaning “It has been a long day”)....

Table Summarising the Difference Between Its and It’s

Its It’s Meaning A determiner. A contraction of ‘It is’ or ‘It has’. Example The cat hurt its paw. It’s sunny today....

Difference between Its and It’s – Meaning

The difference between “its” and “it’s” primarily lies in their meanings:...

Examples for It’s and Its

It’s: “It’s raining outside.” (Contraction of “It is raining outside.”) Explanation: “It’s” is used to indicate the state of the weather, representing the contraction of “it is.” “It’s been a long day.” (Contraction of “It has been a long day.”) Explanation: “It’s” here denotes the duration of the day, contracting “it has.” “It’s important to double-check your work.” (Contraction of “It is important to double-check your work.”) Explanation: “It’s” emphasizes the significance of double-checking work, contracting “it is.” Its: “The cat licked its paw.” (Possessive pronoun indicating the paw belonging to the cat.) Explanation: “Its” denotes possession, specifying that the paw is owned by the cat. “The car lost its rearview mirror in the accident.” (Possessive pronoun indicating the mirror belonging to the car.) Explanation: “Its” indicates possession, clarifying that the rearview mirror is a part of the car. “The company increased its profits.” (Possessive pronoun indicating the profits belonging to the company.) Explanation: “Its” denotes ownership, specifying that the profits are generated by the company....

Difference Between Its and It’s – FAQs

Where to use its and it’s?...