Write it’s when you mean it is or it has. Write its to show that something belongs to or is part of the thing you’re describing. “It’s missing its lid” means “It is missing the lid that belongs to it.”
Expand the word to check the apostrophe
- “It’s ready.” Read it as “It is ready.”
- “It’s been a long day.” Read it as “It has been a long day.”
- “The bike lost its front light.” The light belongs to the bike.
Recognize a possessive that needs no apostrophe
A name can take an apostrophe for possession, as in Jo’s bike. The possessive words its, his, and their already show that relationship. Merriam-Webster’s usage note.
Try it
“___ been three days since the cat found ___ way home.”
Show the answer
Use It’s for it has and its for the cat’s way home.
See also Apostrophe Rules.
