Difference between Its and It’s | Its vs. It’s with Examples

Have you ever confused its for it’s and realised that you’re not really sure when to use the apostrophe after all?

You’re not alone, so don’t worry. It’s and it’s are actually two of the most frequently mistaken terms in written English, even among native English speakers. These are tiny, three-letter compounds.

This is because the two words contain the same base pronoun (it) at the root of their spellings and are pronounced similarly. Nevertheless, the word’s meaning is completely altered by the mere act of adding an apostrophe between the final letters.

What is the Difference Between Its and It’s

“Its” is a possessive pronoun, indicating that something belongs to or is associated with a thing or concept. For example, “The dog wagged its tail.”On the other hand, “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.” For instance, “It’s raining outside” (meaning “It is raining outside”) or “It’s been a long day” (meaning “It has been a long day”).

“Its” is a possessive pronoun while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has”.

The difference between “its” and “it’s” lies in their usage and meaning. “Its” is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or possession or “belonging” by a thing, animal, or idea. For example, “The cat licked its paws.” Here, “its” shows that the paws belong to the cat.

On the other hand, “it’s” is a contraction that means combining the words “it” and “is” or “it” and “has.” For example, “It’s a beautiful day” here, we combine “it” and “is” to express the current weather conditions. Another example is “It’s been a busy week,” where “it’s” stands for “it has.”

A common mistake involves using “it’s” when the intention is to show possession. Remember, if you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” then “it’s” with an apostrophe is the correct choice. If you are indicating possession, use “its” without an apostrophe.

In summary, “its” signifies possession, like the cat and its paws, while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has,” serving to combine the two words for a more concise expression.

Table Summarising the Difference Between Its and It’s

	Its	It’s
Meaning	A determiner.	A contraction of ‘It is’ or ‘It has’.
Example	The cat hurt its paw.	It’s sunny today.

When to Use It’s vs Its

Knowing when to use “it’s” versus “its” is essential for clear and correct writing:

1. It’s (with an apostrophe):
   • Use “it’s” as a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
   • Example: “It’s raining outside” (It is raining outside), “It’s been a long day” (It has been a long day).
2. Its (without an apostrophe):
   • Use “its” as a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or association.
   • Example: “The dog wagged its tail,” “The company increased its profits.”

Difference between Its and It’s – Meaning

The difference between “its” and “it’s” primarily lies in their meanings:

1. Its:
   • “Its” is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or association.
   • Example: “The cat licked its paw.” (The paw belongs to the cat.)
2. It’s:
   • “It’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
   • Example: “It’s raining outside.” (It is raining outside.)

Examples for It’s and Its

1. It’s:
   • “It’s raining outside.” (Contraction of “It is raining outside.”)
     • Explanation: “It’s” is used to indicate the state of the weather, representing the contraction of “it is.”
   • “It’s been a long day.” (Contraction of “It has been a long day.”)
     • Explanation: “It’s” here denotes the duration of the day, contracting “it has.”
   • “It’s important to double-check your work.” (Contraction of “It is important to double-check your work.”)
     • Explanation: “It’s” emphasizes the significance of double-checking work, contracting “it is.”
2. Its:
   • “The cat licked its paw.” (Possessive pronoun indicating the paw belonging to the cat.)
     • Explanation: “Its” denotes possession, specifying that the paw is owned by the cat.
   • “The car lost its rearview mirror in the accident.” (Possessive pronoun indicating the mirror belonging to the car.)
     • Explanation: “Its” indicates possession, clarifying that the rearview mirror is a part of the car.
   • “The company increased its profits.” (Possessive pronoun indicating the profits belonging to the company.)
     • Explanation: “Its” denotes ownership, specifying that the profits are generated by the company.

Difference Between Its and It’s – FAQs

Where to use its and it’s?

• Use “its” to indicate possession or association (e.g., “The cat licked its paw”).
• Use “it’s” as a contraction for “it is” or “it has” (e.g., “It’s raining outside”).

How do you remember the difference between its and it’s?

Remember that “its” indicates possession like “his” or “her,” while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”

What is a sentence using its?

Example: “The company increased its profits.”

Where do we use of it?

“Of it” is used to indicate possession or association, similar to “its.” For example, “The color of its fur is brown.”