Definition / Explanation
The apostrophe has more than one job in English, and this often causes confusion. We use it in contractions like it's (= it is) and don't (= do not). We also use 's to show possession, as in the girl's bag. These two uses look similar, but they are not the same. A very common mistake is mixing up it's and its.
Key Rules
- Use it's only for it is or it has.
- Use its without an apostrophe for possession: The company changed its name.
- Use 's to show possession: Anna's bag, the dog's tail.
- Read the sentence carefully: if you can say it is, then it's is correct.
- Do not confuse contractions with possessive forms.
Examples
- It's cold today.
- The cat's toy is under the chair.
- The company changed its plan.
- It's a good idea.
- My friend's bike needs a new seat.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Its cold today. -> ✅ It's cold today.
- ❌ The company changed it's plan. -> ✅ The company changed its plan.
- ❌ My friend bike is outside. -> ✅ My friend's bike is outside.