Grammar choices
Its vs. It's
Its is the possessive form of it, meaning 'belonging to it,' with no apostrophe. It's is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has.' It's raining, and the dog wants its blanket.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| its | determiner | belonging to or connected with a thing, animal or idea already mentioned |
| it's | contraction | the short form of it is or it has |
Its
determiner: belonging to or connected with a thing, animal or idea already mentioned
- The tree lost most of its leaves in one windy night.
- The company changed its name last year.
It's
contraction: the short form of it is or it has
- It's too cold to eat lunch outside today.
- It's been three years since we last visited the coast.
How to remember the difference
Say 'it is' or 'it has' in its place. If the sentence still makes sense, write it's. If not, write its, with no apostrophe, just like his and hers.
Good to know
Its' with an apostrophe after the s is never correct. The confusion comes from nouns like the cat's toy, but possessive pronouns such as his, hers, ours and its never take an apostrophe.
Spot the mistake
The phone is old, but
it'sits battery still lasts all day.Correct: The phone is old, but its battery still lasts all day.
ItsIt's going to snow tonight, so leave early.Correct: It's going to snow tonight, so leave early.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. The bird built nest under the bridge.
Answer: its. The nest belongs to the bird, so the possessive its fits.
2. I think time to leave for the airport.
Answer: it's. You can say 'it is time,' so the contraction it's fits.