If you’re learning English, you’ve probably come across “it’s” and “its.” These two small words can be confusing, but the difference is simple once you know the rules.
Let’s start with “it’s.” This is the short form of “it is” or “it has.” The apostrophe replaces the missing letter. For example:
It’s going to rain soon. (It is going to rain soon.)
It’s been a long day. (It has been a long day.)
We use apostrophes to show that letters are left out, just like with “he’s” for “he is” or “she’s” for “she is.”
Now, let’s talk about “its” without the apostrophe. “Its” is the possessive form of “it,” showing that something belongs to “it.” For example:
The dog wagged its tail.
The company announced its new product.
Here’s a simple trick: think of other possessive words like “his” and “her”—they don’t use apostrophes either!
Examples from Real Life
Here are a few examples of “it’s” and “its” used in sentences from everyday sources:
The new smartphone is impressive, and it’s available in stores now. (“It’s” means “it is.”)
The car had its engine replaced last week. (“Its” shows possession.)
Quick Tips for Remembering
- Use “it’s” when you mean “it is” or “it has.”
- Use “its” when talking about possession, like “its cover,” “its handle,” or “its name.”
By practicing these simple rules, you’ll get the hang of using “it’s” and “its” correctly!