Its: The Possessive Pronoun
Its is a possessive pronoun used to indicate possession or ownership. It is devoid of an apostrophe:
- Possession by Non-Human Entities: When referring to possession by animals, objects, or abstract concepts, use “its.”
Example: “The cat groomed its fur meticulously.” - Inanimate Objects and Concepts: When denoting possession by an entity that is not a person, “its” is the correct form.
Example: “The company increased its profits significantly.”
It’s: The Contraction of “It Is” or “It Has”
It’s is a contraction, combining the pronoun “it” with either the verb “is” or “has.” The apostrophe replaces the omitted letters:
- Contraction for “It Is”: Use “it’s” when you can replace it with “it is” in a sentence.
Example: “It’s a beautiful day outside.” - Contraction for “It Has”: “It’s” can also represent “it has” in specific contexts.
Example: “It’s been a while since we last met.”
Strategies for Differentiation
- Ownership vs. Contraction
Remember that “its” indicates possession, while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” - Replace with “It Is”
If you can substitute “it is” in a sentence, use “it’s.” - Possession by Non-Human Entities
When describing possession by animals, objects, or abstract concepts, choose “its.”
