Definition / Explanation
It's and its look very similar, but they do different jobs in a sentence. It's is a contraction of it is or it has, while its is a possessive form that shows something belongs to it. Because both forms are common and sound similar in speech, learners often confuse them in writing. This is a grammar and punctuation topic at the same time, because the apostrophe changes the meaning. A quick check is to see whether it is or it has fits in the sentence.
Key Rules
- It's = it is or it has.
- Its shows possession: The company changed its plan.
- Try expanding it's to it is. If that works, it's is correct.
- Possessive pronouns usually do not take an apostrophe: my, your, his, her, its, our, their.
- This is one of the most common writing mistakes in English.
Examples
- It's a long day.
- It's been a difficult week.
- The dog hurt its paw.
- The company changed its plan.
- I think it's going to rain.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ The company changed it's plan. -> ✅ The company changed its plan.
- ❌ Its a long day. -> ✅ It's a long day.
- ❌ The cat cleaned it's face. -> ✅ The cat cleaned its face.
Tips
- If you can say it is or it has, choose it's. If not, choose its.