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”).
“Its” is a possessive pronoun while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has”.
The difference between “its” and “it’s” lies in their usage and meaning. “Its” is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or possession or “belonging” by a thing, animal, or idea. For example, “The cat licked its paws.” Here, “its” shows that the paws belong to the cat.
On the other hand, “it’s” is a contraction that means combining the words “it” and “is” or “it” and “has.” For example, “It’s a beautiful day” here, we combine “it” and “is” to express the current weather conditions. Another example is “It’s been a busy week,” where “it’s” stands for “it has.”
A common mistake involves using “it’s” when the intention is to show possession. Remember, if you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” then “it’s” with an apostrophe is the correct choice. If you are indicating possession, use “its” without an apostrophe.
In summary, “its” signifies possession, like the cat and its paws, while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has,” serving to combine the two words for a more concise expression.
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