What’s the Difference Between “its” and “it’s”?
If you get confused between the two, you’re not alone. Here’s how to never forget the distinction again.
GRAMMAR TIDBITS WITH ANANGSHA
What’s the Difference Between “its” and “it’s”?
If you get confused between the two, you’re not alone. Here’s how to never forget the distinction again.
I considered my grammar to be impeccable, until one day, a stranger on the internet corrected it for me.
“The cat wagged it’s tail,” I’d written in a story.
“It’s not it’s,” the stranger told me. “It’s its.”
“Um no,” I retorted confidently. “Here, the it symbolizes possession, so the apostrophe must be there.”
Turns out, I was wrong. After doing a lot of research, I came to the following conclusion:
- its — acts like a possessive pronoun
- it’s — stands for it is/it has.
That’s right. Here’s the rule: The only time to use “it’s” is when you mean to write “it is” or “it has.”
Example 1
- It’s common knowledge that the sun sets in the west.
- I think it’s better if you know the truth before we start the adventure.
In both these examples, the it’s is the shortened version of it is.
Example 2
- It’s been proven since time immemorial that good deeds often come with rewards.
- I can't believe it’s already been a year since we first met.
In both these examples, the it’s is the shortened version of it has.
Example 3
- The cat wagged its tail from side to side.
- In his absence, the beautiful house had lost its charm.
In both these examples, the its is used as a possessive pronoun. Possessive pronouns don’t come with apostrophes.
Here’s the reminder again: The only time you use an apostrophe is when you need to portray the shortened version of it is or it has.
What trick do you use to remember the difference between its and it’s? Let me know in the comments.
Note: If you enjoyed this, I plan to make a series called Grammar Tidbits with Anangsha. If you don’t want to miss the next one, make sure you follow me and keep an eye out for the latest stories on Freelancer’s Hub.
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