Difference between Its and It’s

Difference between Its and It’s: The English language can be tricky, especially when it comes to grammar rules. Many learners find it confusing to use similar-looking words correctly. One such common mistake is mixing up ‘Its’ and ‘It’s’.

The English language has many words that look similar but have different meanings, making grammar rules tricky for learners. One such common confusion is between ‘Its’ and ‘It’s’. Though they appear almost identical, they serve different purposes in a sentence. ‘Its’ is a possessive pronoun, while ‘It’s’ is a contraction of ‘It is’ or ‘It has’.

Understanding their correct usage is essential for fluent English communication. In this article, we will explain the difference between ‘Its’ and ‘It’s’, provide examples, and clarify their usage in a simple way.

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Difference between Its and It’s

What is the Difference Between “Its” and “It’s”?

The confusion between “its” and “it’s” arises because one is a possessive pronoun, while the other is a contraction.

“Its” is a possessive pronoun used to show ownership or belonging.

“It’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”

A simple trick to remember the difference:
👉 If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” use “it’s.”
👉 If not, use “its.”

Let’s dive deeper into their definitions and uses.

Understanding “Its” (Possessive Pronoun)

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Definition of “Its”

“Its” is a possessive pronoun that indicates ownership or belonging. It is similar to other possessive pronouns like his, her, their, or your.

Examples of “Its” in Sentences:

• The cat licked its paws. (The paws belong to the cat.)
• The company changed its policy. (The policy belongs to the company.)
• The phone lost its signal in the tunnel. (The signal belongs to the phone.)
• The tree shed its leaves in the fall. (The leaves belong to the tree.)

Common Mistakes with “Its”

• The dog lost it’s collar. ❌ (Incorrect)
• The dog lost its collar. ✔ (Correct – shows possession)

How to Check If “Its” Is Correct

Substitute “its” with “his” or “her.”

• The bird is in its nest. (The nest belongs to the bird.)
• The bird is in his nest. (Makes sense → “its” is correct.)

Understanding “It’s” (Contraction of “It is” or “It has”)

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Definition of “It’s”

“It’s” is a contraction (a shortened form of two words). It always stands for either “it is” or “it has.”

Examples of “It’s” in Sentences:

• It’s raining outside. (= It is raining outside.)
• It’s been a long day. (= It has been a long day.)
• It’s time for lunch. (= It is time for lunch.)
• It’s going to be a great weekend. (= It is going to be a great weekend.)

Common Mistakes with “It’s”

• The bird is in it’s nest. (Incorrect)
• The bird is in its nest. (Correct – shows possession)

How to Check If “It’s” Is Correct

Try replacing “it’s” with “it is” or “it has.” If the sentence still makes sense, then “it’s” is correct.

• It’s a beautiful day. (= It is a beautiful day.) ✔
• The dog wagged it’s tail. (= It is tail? ❌ Doesn’t make sense → Use “its” instead.)

Tricks to Remember the Difference between Its and It’s

1. Try Expanding “It’s”
Replace “it’s” with “it is” or “it has.”

If the sentence still makes sense, “it’s” is correct.

2. Use “His” or “Her” Test for “Its”
Replace “its” with “his” or “her.”

If the sentence still makes sense, “its” is correct.

3. Remember: Possessive Pronouns Never Use Apostrophes
His, her, its, their, your (None have an apostrophe.)

The apostrophe in “it’s” is only used for a contraction (it is / it has).

Why Knowing the Difference Between “Its” and “It’s” is Important

1. Improves Writing Accuracy – Using “its” (possessive) and “it’s” (contraction) correctly prevents grammar mistakes that can affect clarity.
2. Enhances Professional Communication – Proper grammar in emails, reports, and documents makes writing look polished and credible.
3. Boosts Readability – Correct grammar improves user experience and search engine rankings, essential for content writing and blogging.
4. Prevents Misinterpretation – Incorrect usage can confuse readers, changing the meaning of a sentence and leading to misunderstandings.
5. Strengthens Grammar Skills – Mastering this rule builds a strong foundation for learning and applying other essential English grammar concepts.

Worksheet: Difference Between “Its” and “It’s”

Choose the correct option for each question. Each question tests your understanding of when to use “its” (possessive pronoun) and “it’s” (contraction for “it is” or “it has”).

Section 1: Fill in the Blank (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. ______ a beautiful day to go outside.
a) Its
b) It’s
c) Its’
d) It has

2. The dog wagged ______ tail excitedly when it saw its owner.
a) it’s
b) its
c) it is
d) it has

3. The company revised ______ policies to meet new regulations.
a) its
b) it’s
c) its’
d) it is

4. ______ been a long time since we last met.
a) Its
b) It’s
c) Its’
d) It has

5. The phone is in ______ case on the table.
a) it’s
b) its
c) it is
d) it has

Section 2: Identify the Error

6. Which sentence is correct?
a) The cat licked it’s paws.
b) It’s been a tough day.
c) The book lost it’s cover.
d) The team is known for it’s hard work.

7. Identify the incorrect sentence.
a) It’s raining outside.
b) The car lost its tire.
c) The country celebrated it’s independence day.
d) The bird built its nest.

8. Which sentence correctly uses “it’s”?
a) Its going to be a challenge.
b) The school announced it’s new rules.
c) It’s important to follow the instructions.
d) The clock lost it’s minute hand.

9. Select the correct sentence.
a) The baby dropped it’s toy.
b) The dog is in it’s kennel.
c) It’s not a big deal.
d) The city is known for it’s history.

10. Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
a) It’s time to leave.
b) The cat cleaned its fur.
c) Its been a long day.
d) The company changed its logo.

Section 3: Sentence Correction

11. Identify the correct replacement for the incorrect word in this sentence:
“The laptop lost it’s battery charge.”
a) It’s → its
b) It’s → it is
c) It’s → it has
d) The sentence is already correct

12. What should replace the incorrect word in the sentence below?
“Its going to be a great vacation.”
a) Its → It is
b) Its → It has
c) Its → It’s
d) No change needed

13. Choose the correct form to complete the sentence:
“The restaurant updated ______ menu to include more options.”
a) it’s
b) its
c) it is
d) it has

14. Correct the following sentence:
“It’s benefits outweigh the risks.”
a) Change “It’s” to “Its”
b) Change “It’s” to “It is”
c) No change needed
d) Remove “It’s”

15. Choose the correct sentence.
a) Its been a great experience.
b) The school changed it’s syllabus.
c) The baby held its mother’s finger.
d) The cat slept in it’s bed.

Answer Key (For Teacher Use Only)
b – It’s

b – its

a – its

b – It’s

b – its

b – It’s been a tough day.

c – The country celebrated it’s independence day.

c – It’s important to follow the instructions.

c – It’s not a big deal.

c – Its been a long day.

a – It’s → its

c – Its → It’s

b – its

a – Change “It’s” to “Its”

c – The baby held its mother’s finger.

Final Thoughts

1. Use “its” when showing possession (like “his” or “her”).
2. Use “it’s” as a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
3. Always double-check by replacing “it’s” with “it is” or “it has” to confirm correctness.

Difference between Its and It’s FAQs

Where to Use Its and It’s?

Use its when showing possession or ownership. It is a possessive pronoun, similar to his or her. Use it’s as a contraction of it is or it has. It shortens two words into one.

What Are Examples of Its and It’s?

Examples of Its (Possessive Pronoun): The book lost its cover. The dog chased its tail. The machine is known for its efficiency. The car needs its oil changed.

When to Use It’s vs. It?

Use it’s when you mean it is or it has. This is a contraction that combines two words. Use it as a subject pronoun to refer to a thing, idea, or situation.

How to Remember the Difference Between Its and It’s?

🔹 Expand the Contraction: Replace its with it is or it has If the sentence still makes sense, use its If replacing does not work, use its 🔹 Possessive Pronouns Never Use Apostrophes: Just like his, her, and their do not need an apostrophe, its (possessive form) also does not have one 🔹 Try the His/Her Test: Replace its with his or her If the sentence makes sense, its is correct

What is a Sentence Using Its?

Here are some unique and fresh examples of its in sentences: Correct Usage of Its: The phone lost its signal in the tunnel. The lion protected its cubs from danger. The company increased its revenue this year.