Its vs it’s : 2 important tips on when to use its and it’s

Its vs it’s

What is the difference between its and it’s?

Its versus it’s is a really confusing determiner. ‘Its’ is a possessive adjective that is usually confused with ‘it’s’.

“It’s” is the contracted form of “it is” or “it has”, whereas “its” is used to state that something belongs to or is connected with a thing or an animal.

 

When to use its vs it’s:

• If you replace ‘its’/’it’s’ with ‘it is’ or ‘it has’ and the sentence still makes sense, use ‘it’s’.
• If you replace ‘its’/’it’s’ with ‘it is’ or ‘it has’ and the sentence doesn’t make sense, then use ‘its’.

It’s vs its examples (its vs it’s examples):

1. It’s = it is
2. It’s= it has
3. Its = Possessive  adjective (possessive determiner)

• It’s my dog. Its name is Max. (= It is my dog. Its name is Max.)
• My dog is eating its food.
• It’s a great pleasure to meet you.
• It’s raining at the moment. (= It is raining at the moment.)
• It’s been raining for two hours. (= It has been raining for two hours).
• It’s fallen (the tree) because of a violent storm. (= It has fallen because of a violent storm.)
• It’s very cold today.
• It’s a new school. Its classrooms are well-equipped. (= It is a new school. Its classrooms are well-equipped.)

Its vs their (their vs its)

As we said before “its” is used to state that something belongs to or is connected with a thing or an animal. ‘Its’ is a singular possessive adjective.

Now, let’s define their (their definition). ‘Their’ is used to state that something belongs to is connected to them. ‘Their’ is the plural form of ‘its’.

If asked to use their in a sentence, here are some examples:

Its vs their examples

• My children always do their homework.
• Our neighbours are doing up their house.
• It’s their problem, not mine.
• I want my kids to lear what’s important for their lives.

Its vs it’s quiz

[quiz-cat id=”7634″]

Is it correct to start a sentence with also?