“Its” and “it’s” are often confused due to their similar appearance, but they serve very different grammatical purposes. Understanding the distinction between these two terms is crucial for proper grammar and clear communication in writing.
Its
Definition:
“Its” is a possessive pronoun used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with a previously mentioned noun (usually an object or animal).
Examples of use:
Though outdated, our first computer has served its purpose well over the years.
The cat groomed its fur, making sure every strand was in place.
The company has revised its policies to better serve its customers.
It’s
Definition:
“It’s” is the contracted form of “it is” or “it has.” The apostrophe represents the missing letter or letters.
Examples of use:
It’s definitely much faster than our first computer, which was quite slow.
It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.
If it’s raining, we’ll need to take an umbrella with us.
Memory Hook:
Remember, “possessive its never splits.” This means the possessive form “its” does not contain an apostrophe, while “it’s” is always a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
The key difference between “its” and “it’s” lies in their usage: “its” is a possessive pronoun, while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” Keeping this distinction in mind will help you use these terms correctly in your writing.
